King Charles III throughout the years: a son, father and grandfather
Photographs of King Charles III throughout his lifetime, including precious moments with his mother, the Queen.
After the announcement that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, "died peacefully at Balmoral" on 8 September, her son, Prince Charles, succeeded her as the monarch of the United Kingdom. He will be known as King Charles III.
Charles was born on 14 November 1948 to Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with his mother going on to become the Queen in 1952. He is the firstborn of the Queen's four children.
Over the years, Charles has served the nation with his family by his side. His investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969 fully-initiated him into the world of royalty, and he has gone on to undertake royal duties both in the UK and abroad. After his first marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1981, the couple went on to have two children: Prince William and Prince Harry. Through Prince William's marriage, he has three grandchildren: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Through Prince Harry's marriage, he has a further two grandchildren: Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Lillibet Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles II married Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005 - with the King recently calling her his "darling wife."
King Charles III assumed his role as monarch after the death of his mother, although it is understood he may not be formally coronated as King until 2023. Here, we look back at his life, both at his royal engagements and at his life as a son, father and grandfather. From his birth in 1948 to becoming Britain's monarch in 2022, these are some of the key moments in King Charles III's life.
A future King is born, 1948
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II (who was a Princess at this time), looks lovingly at her firstborn child, Charles. Charles was born on 14 November 1948 and will go on to be known as Prince Charles, until his mother's passing in September 2022, when he takes to the throne as King Charles III.
Smiling with his parents, 1949
Elizabeth and Philip smile with their baby, Charles. King Charles III is eight months old in this photo.
With their mother in the garden, 1952
Elizabeth, who is now Queen Elizabeth II, looks out across a garden with her two children: Charles (now King Charles III) and Anne (now Princess Royal).
A portrait with the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II, Charles and Anne smile as they have a portrait taken. The two children can be seen sweetly holding their mother.
A polo game, 1967
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are seen smiling with Prince Charles. The Queen was awarding the two men with trophies at a Polo Game they had played.
Prince of Wales, 1969
Charles is crowned by his mother, the Queen, on 1 July 1969, in Caernarvon, Wales. This is when he officially starts his investiture as the Prince of Wales.
Arm in arm, 1969
Prince Charles is seen walking arm in arm with his grandmother; Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
The family come together, 1972
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh sit surrounded by their four children. The then Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and Anne, Princess Royal, can be see resting casually on the arms of the sofa.
With Lady Diana, 1981
Prince Charles is seen with his fiancé, Lady Diana Spencer, in 1981. The couple first met in 1977 and married in the summer of 1981.
A royal wedding, 1981
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, marry on July 29, 1981. Here they are stood on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, by their side.
Prince William is born, 1982
Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Princess Diana are seen leaving a London hospital with a newborn Prince William.
With Prince William, 1983
The Prince and Princess of Wales are seen looking lovingly at their firstborn son, Prince William, who is 18 months old in this photo.
Prince Harry is born, 1984
The Prince and Princess of Wales smile proudly with their newborn son, Prince Harry, on 16 September 1984.
Among the flowers
Prince Charles and Princess Diana, holding a young William and Harry, are seen looking relaxed as they pose in a meadow of flowers.
A kiss on the hand, 1985
Prince Charles is seen sweetly kissing his mother's hand, as she grins widely. Her Majesty, the Queen, was presenting him with another prize at a Polo game.
Chatting at the horse-racing, 1993
The Prince of Wales enjoys a conversation with his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the horse-racing in Epsom.
First day at school, 1995
Prince Charles and Princess Diana are seen taking their two children, Prince William and Prince Harry, to school. It is the Princes' first day at Eton.
A skiing holiday, 1998
Prince Charles takes his sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, and his niece, Zara Phillips, skiing. Zara is the daughter of Anne, Princess Royal.
Toasting his mother, 1998
The Prince of Wales and Her Majesty, the Queen, grin at each other during a speech at Buckingham Palace in 1998. This photo was taken on the eve of the future King's birthday.
At Chelsea Flower Show, 2002
Charles joins his mother, Her Majesty the Queen, for a visit to Chelsea Flower Show. This is a favourite event of The Royal Family, who attend every year.
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