24 March,2024
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III assumed the throne of the United Kingdom, marking a significant moment in British history. At the age of 73, he became the oldest monarch to ascend the British throne, with his coronation held at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023. Here are some key insights into King Charles III’s life and reign:
Early Life and Education: King Charles III was born on 14 November 1948 at Buckingham Palace. Unlike the conventional royal upbringing, he received his education at various institutions including Hill House in West London, Cheam Preparatory School in Berkshire, and Gordonstoun in Eastern Scotland. In 1969, he was invested as the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle and further pursued his education in Welsh at the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth.
Family Life: King Charles III married Lady Diana Spencer on 29 July 1981 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Their union bore two sons, Prince William (born 21 June 1982) and Prince Harry (born 15 September 1984). Despite their eventual divorce on 28 August 1996, Princess Diana remained active in public life until her tragic death in a car accident in Paris on 31 August 1997. Subsequently, King Charles III married Queen Camilla in a civil ceremony at the Guildhall, Windsor, on 9 April 2005.
Regnal Name: Upon ascending to the throne, he chose the regnal name King Charles III, foregoing other options such as Charles Philip Arthur George. His former title of Prince of Wales passed to his eldest son and heir, Prince William.
Formal Ceremonies: The official proclamation of King Charles III took place at St James’s Palace in London in front of the Accession Council, comprising senior MPs, peers, civil servants, Commonwealth high commissioners, and the Lord Mayor of London. This historic moment was marked by the national anthem playing with the words “God Save the King,” a phrase not heard since 1952.
The King’s First Declaration: At the second meeting of the Accession Council, King Charles III pledged to uphold constitutional government and protect the Church of Scotland, continuing a tradition dating back to the early 18th century.
Future Succession: As King Charles III assumes his role, the future line of succession includes his son, Prince William, who is poised to become the next king of England. Furthermore, Prince George of Cambridge, born on 22 July 2013, represents the next generation awaiting his turn to ascend the throne, ensuring the continuity of the British monarchy.
King Charles III
On September 8, 2022, King Charles III ascended the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Born as Prince Charles of Edinburgh on November 14, 1948, he became the heir apparent when Queen Elizabeth II assumed the throne in 1952. His investiture as Prince of Wales occurred in 1969. Charles received his education at Cheam School and Gordonstoun, and he also spent six months at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia. After completing his history degree at the University of Cambridge, he served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976.
Throughout his life, Charles has experienced significant milestones, notably his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, which resulted in the birth of two sons, William and Harry. The couple’s highly publicized extramarital affairs led to their divorce in 1996. Tragically, Diana passed away in a car accident the following year. In 2005, Charles married his longtime partner, Camilla Parker Bowles. As the heir apparent, he fulfilled official duties on behalf of his mother, including establishing the Prince’s Trust in 1976 and supporting numerous charities and organizations. Charles also advocated for the preservation of historic buildings and emphasized the societal significance of architecture. His endeavors extended to the creation of the experimental new town of Poundbury. As an environmentalist, he promoted organic farming and took action against climate change during his management of the Duchy of Cornwall estates.
Now reigning as King Charles III, he remains actively involved in public life, overseeing official and ceremonial responsibilities in the United Kingdom and abroad. His reign commenced at the age of 73, with his coronation, the first in seven decades, taking place on May 6, 2023. Despite facing challenges, including his own battle with cancer, King Charles III remains steadfastly dedicated to his duties and the welfare of the monarchy.