King Charles is 74 years old as of October 2023. He became the King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He is the oldest person to accede to the British throne in history.
In this article, we will explore his early life, education, official duties, health, and personal life.
Early Life and Education
King Charles was born in Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948. Firstborn of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His siblings are Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
He attended various schools in the UK and Australia, and then enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge University in 1967. He studied history, archaeology, and anthropology, and graduated with a second-class honors degree in 1970. He also learned to speak Welsh during his time at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth.
Official Duties
King Charles became heir apparent aged three when his mother seized the throne in 1952. He became Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester in 1958 and invested in 1969. History’s longest-serving Prince of Wales.
As King, he opens and dissolves Parliament, appoints the Prime Minister, grants royal assent to legislation, and represents the UK internationally. As monarch, he rules 14 other nations. Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.
After his formal duties, King Charles is a philanthropist and environmentalist. He founded or patronizes approximately 20 nonprofits that promote education, health, youth, community development, arts and culture, conservation, and sustainability. Among his notable projects are The Prince’s Trust, Foundation, and Charitable Fund.
Public speaking is also familiar to King Charles. He has given several presentations on climate change, interfaith interaction, and architecture. He is recognized for speaking up on important subjects.
Health and Personal Life
King Charles is in good health for his age. However, he has experienced two bouts of COVID-19 infection in 2020 and 2021 respectively. He recovered from both episodes without any serious complications.
King Charles is married to Camilla Parker Bowles, who is styled as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall. They tied the knot in a civil ceremony in 2005, after a long and controversial relationship that began when they were both married to other people. King Charles was previously married to Diana Spencer, who became known as Princess Diana after their wedding in 1981. They had two sons: Prince William and Prince Harry. They divorced in 1996, following years of marital troubles and public scandals. Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
King Charles has four grandchildren: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. He is also expecting a fifth grandchild from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in early 2024.
King Charles has many hobbies and interests. He is a gifted pilot and diver. He holds a private pilot’s licence and has flown many types of aircrafts. He also holds an advanced diver’s certificate and has dived in various locations around the world. He enjoys watercolor painting and gardening. He has exhibited his paintings at several galleries and auctions. He also owns several organic farms and gardens that produce food for his household and for sale.
