He was born to be king, but waited more than seven decades for the crown. Along the way, Charles lived his life in the headlines, from a fairy-tale wedding watched by millions to a marriage that collapsed in public.
Then came leaked phone calls, televised confessions, tragedy in Paris, and a shock diagnosis after he finally became king.
This is the remarkable story of King Charles III.
#1: King Charles III is Born into the Royal Family in 1948
Born at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948, Charles Philip Arthur George was the first child of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. His grandfather, George VI, was still king, placing the newborn second in line to the throne behind his mother. His birth introduced another generation into Britain’s royal succession.
Charles later became the eldest of four children, followed by Anne, Andrew, and Edward. He was christened in the palace’s Music Room on December 15 by Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher. His mother was still a princess, but that would change before his fourth birthday.