King Charles III, born Charles Philip Arthur George in 1948, ascended to the British throne on September 8, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. His coronation in May 2023 marked the formal beginning of a reign shaped by decades of preparation and public scrutiny.
Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and trained in both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, Charles spent much of his life as heir apparent—the longest in British history. His early public image was shaped by ceremonial duties and a deep interest in architecture, environmentalism, and interfaith dialogue. He founded The Prince’s Trust in 1976, a charity aimed at supporting disadvantaged youth, and has long advocated for sustainability and organic farming.
His personal life has often eclipsed his public work. His marriage to Diana Spencer in 1981 captivated global audiences but unraveled under intense media pressure and mutual infidelity. Their divorce in 1996 and Diana’s death the following year left a lasting imprint on public perceptions of the monarchy. In 2005, Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, now Queen Camilla.
Since becoming king, Charles has faced both ceremonial milestones and personal challenges. In 2024, Buckingham Palace announced his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer, prompting a temporary reduction in public engagements. Despite this, he has continued to carry out state duties and international visits, including a recent trip to Normandy and a planned tour of Australia and Samoa.
