The Life and Sacrifices of King Charles III

This article was originally published on Lizanest.com

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.

#2: He Becomes Heir to the Throne when Elizabeth II Succeeds George VI

On February 6, 1952, George VI died, and Charles’s mother became Queen Elizabeth II at twenty-five. Charles was only three, but he was now heir apparent. He also became Duke of Cornwall and inherited several Scottish titles, including Duke of Rothesay, through his new position.

The following year, he attended his mother’s coronation at Westminster Abbey, seated between the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. At four, he was already appearing at ceremonies connected to his future responsibilities. His parents would next decide how to educate a child expected to become king.

#3: He Receives His Education in Britain and Australia

Charles began attending Hill House in London in 1956 before becoming a boarder at Cheam. In 1962, he moved to Gordonstoun in Scotland, which Prince Philip had attended. His parents chose schools rather than an education conducted entirely by private tutors inside royal residences.

In 1966, he spent two terms at Timbertop, Geelong Grammar School’s remote campus in Victoria, Australia. The stay placed him in a different country and school environment, away from his usual royal surroundings. His education was broadening, but preparation for his most visible title would require another kind of study.

#4: He is Given the Title of Prince of Wales 1969

Charles had held the title Prince of Wales since 1958, but his formal investiture took place on July 1, 1969. Queen Elizabeth II conducted the ceremony at Caernarfon Castle. The event publicly confirmed his position through a carefully organized occasion broadcast to a wide audience.

Beforehand, Charles spent a term at Aberystwyth studying Welsh and learning about Wales. His preparation included lessons with Tedi Millward, giving the ceremony a connection to the country whose title he carried. He was becoming increasingly visible as the heir, while his private relationships were beginning to attract attention.