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Royal FamilyKing Charles III: age, family, reign and biography
Charles III has been King of the United Kingdom since 4 years. He acceded to the British throne on 8 September 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and was crowned on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London.
Born on 14 November 1948 at Buckingham Palace, Charles III is the eldest son of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He is married to Queen Camilla, and his eldest son, Prince William, Prince of Wales, is first in line to the throne.
Charles III at a glance: full name: Charles Philip Arthur George; born: 14 November 1948; accession to the throne: 8 September 2022; coronation: 6 May 2023; wife: Queen Camilla; heir: Prince William.
Charles III is sometimes referred to as the “King of England” in everyday language. However, this is a simplified expression: he is officially King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and sovereign of 14 other Commonwealth realms.
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Who is King Charles III?
Charles III is the Head of State of the United Kingdom. He is also sovereign of 14 other Commonwealth realms, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
He is also Head of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 independent countries. This role is separate from being sovereign of a Commonwealth realm and is not automatically hereditary.
As the British sovereign, Charles III is also Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
How old is King Charles III?
King Charles III was born on 14 November 1948 at Buckingham Palace in London. He is currently 77 years old.
The first child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Charles became heir apparent to the British throne at just three years old, when his mother acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 14 November 1948 | Born at Buckingham Palace |
| 6 February 1952 | Becomes heir apparent to the throne |
| 26 July 1958 | Created Prince of Wales |
| 1 July 1969 | Invested as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle |
| 8 September 2022 | Accedes to the throne following the death of Elizabeth II |
| 6 May 2023 | Coronation at Westminster Abbey |
Biography of Charles III: from Prince Charles to the throne
Childhood and education
Charles grew up within the British Royal Family with his sister, Princess Anne, and later his two younger brothers, Andrew and Edward.
He attended several schools, unlike some royal heirs from previous generations who were mainly educated at the palace. In 1967, he entered Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, where he initially studied archaeology and anthropology before switching to history. He graduated in 1970.
Before his investiture as Prince of Wales, Charles also spent a term at Aberystwyth University in Wales to study the Welsh language.
Prince of Wales
Charles was created Prince of Wales on 26 July 1958, when he was nine years old. His formal investiture took place on 1 July 1969 at Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
For several decades, he supported Queen Elizabeth II, carried out official engagements and represented the monarchy both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
Charles was the longest-serving Prince of Wales. He held the title until his accession to the throne in September 2022.
As heir to the throne, he also held several other titles, including Duke of Cornwall and, in Scotland, Duke of Rothesay.
Military career
After university, Charles trained with the Royal Air Force before beginning a career in the Royal Navy in 1971. He served on several ships and notably commanded the minesweeper HMS Bronington in 1976.
Accession to the throne
Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022, after more than 70 years on the throne. Charles succeeded her immediately and became King Charles III at the age of 73.
Charles III is the heir apparent who waited the longest before acceding to the British throne. He also became British sovereign at an older age than any of his predecessors.
When was Charles III crowned?
The coronation of King Charles III took place on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. Queen Camilla was also crowned during the ceremony.
The coronation should not be confused with accession to the throne. Charles III became King automatically upon the death of Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022. Held several months later, the coronation is a religious and symbolic ceremony: it does not mark the legal beginning of his reign.
Westminster Abbey has hosted the coronations of English and later British monarchs for almost a thousand years. Charles III is the 40th sovereign to have been crowned there.
What is the role of King Charles III in the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. Charles III is Head of State, but the power to make and pass laws belongs to the elected Parliament.
The sovereign remains politically impartial. His role includes constitutional, diplomatic, representative and ceremonial duties, while also embodying the continuity of the British state.
His duties include the State Opening of Parliament, the formal appointment of the Prime Minister, receiving heads of state and diplomats, State Visits, investitures and numerous official engagements in the United Kingdom and abroad.
The King also holds a private weekly audience with the Prime Minister to discuss government matters. The content of these meetings remains confidential.
What causes does King Charles III support?
Long before his accession to the throne, Charles was involved in many causes related to the environment, sustainable development, rural communities, architecture and the built environment, the arts, health and education.
While he was Prince of Wales, he helped establish numerous charities and initiatives. His interest in environmental issues dates back to the 1970s, long before climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development became central topics in public debate.
King Charles III's family
Charles III is a member of the British Royal Family and is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He has one sister, Princess Anne, and two brothers, Andrew and Edward.
Charles III and Diana
Charles married Lady Diana Spencer on 29 July 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral in London. The couple had two sons, William and Harry.
Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and their divorce was finalised in 1996. Diana died on 31 August 1997 in Paris.
Charles III and Queen Camilla
Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, born Camilla Rosemary Shand, on 9 April 2005 in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall. A religious Service of Prayer and Dedication was then held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Born on 17 July 1947, Camilla is currently 79 years old. She is officially known as Queen Camilla and accompanies Charles III in his duties and at many public engagements.
Charles and Camilla had known each other for many years before their marriage. Both had previously been married: Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles divorced in 1995, while Charles and Diana's divorce was finalised in 1996. Charles and Camilla married in 2005.
King Charles III's children
King Charles III has 2 children, both from his marriage to Diana:
- Prince William, Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne: born on 21 June 1982 (44 years old).
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: born on 15 September 1984 (41 years old).
King Charles III's grandchildren
King Charles III has 5 grandchildren:
- Prince George of Wales, eldest son of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales: born on 22 July 2013 (13 years old).
- Princess Charlotte of Wales, daughter of Prince William and Catherine: born on 2 May 2015 (11 years old).
- Prince Louis of Wales, younger son of Prince William and Catherine: born on 23 April 2018 (8 years old).
- Prince Archie of Sussex, son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: born on 6 May 2019 (7 years old).
- Princess Lilibet of Sussex, daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: born on 4 June 2021 (5 years old).
Who will succeed King Charles III?
Prince William, Prince of Wales, is currently first in the line of succession to the British throne.
The first places in the line of succession are currently held by:
- Prince William, Prince of Wales;
- Prince George of Wales;
- Princess Charlotte of Wales;
- Prince Louis of Wales;
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex;
- Prince Archie of Sussex;
- Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
Will William become King William V? This is not yet known. A British sovereign may reign under a name different from their first name. Prince William's future regnal name will therefore only be known when he accedes to the throne.
King Charles III's health: what is officially known?
On 5 February 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles III had been diagnosed with a form of cancer following tests carried out after treatment for benign prostate enlargement.
The type of cancer has not been made public. In the absence of more detailed official information, it is therefore not possible to state which type of cancer the King has.
Charles III temporarily postponed some public-facing engagements during his treatment before gradually returning to public duties. He continues to carry out his duties as Head of State and official engagements.
Last checked: September 2026. Information regarding the King's health may change. This section is deliberately limited to information officially released by Buckingham Palace.
Where does King Charles III live?
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the sovereign and the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy. The palace remains a major working royal building and hosts State Visits, investitures, receptions and official ceremonies.
Charles III and Queen Camilla also use Clarence House, near St James's Palace, for certain engagements and receptions.
Following the completion of the major Buckingham Palace reservicing programme, Charles III and Camilla do not plan to make it their personal residence. The palace is expected to remain primarily the ceremonial centre of royal life, the main workplace of the Royal Household and a heritage site offering greater public access.
Can you see King Charles III in London?
It is never possible to guarantee that the King will be present during a visit to London. However, some major events in the British royal calendar offer more opportunities to see Charles III or other members of the Royal Family.
These include Trooping the Colour, certain State Visits, commemorations and major ceremonies held around Buckingham Palace, Westminster and other official locations in the capital.
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To experience the traditions of the British monarchy, you can also watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. However, this iconic military ceremony does not mean that the King will be present.
Even outside these events, Buckingham Palace remains one of London's main places to discover the history, traditions and workings of the British monarchy.
FAQ about King Charles III
Is Charles III the King of England?
Charles III is sometimes referred to as the “King of England” in everyday language, but this is not his official title. He is King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. England no longer has a monarchy separate from that of the United Kingdom.
What is King Charles III's full name?
His full name is Charles Philip Arthur George.
What is King Charles III's surname?
The sovereign generally does not need to use a surname when carrying out official duties. The Royal House is the House of Windsor. The surname Mountbatten-Windsor may be used by certain descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when a surname is required.
Why is he called Charles III?
He reigns as Charles III because two previous monarchs named Charles preceded him on the throne: Charles I and Charles II, both in the 17th century.
Who is King Charles III's wife?
Charles III's wife is Queen Camilla, born Camilla Rosemary Shand on 17 July 1947. Charles and Camilla married on 9 April 2005 in Windsor.
How old is Queen Camilla?
Born on 17 July 1947, Queen Camilla is currently 79 years old.
How many children does Charles III have?
Charles III has two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, both from his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales.
How many grandchildren does Charles III have?
Charles III has five grandchildren: George, Charlotte and Louis, the children of Prince William and Catherine, and Archie and Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan.
Who will be King after Charles III?
Prince William is currently first in line to the British throne. He is followed by his eldest son, Prince George, then Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
What illness does King Charles III have?
Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that Charles III had been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The Palace has not made the exact type of cancer public.
Summary
Charles III, born Charles Philip Arthur George on 14 November 1948, has been King of the United Kingdom since 8 September 2022, the date of the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He was crowned on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.
Married to Queen Camilla, he is the father of Prince William and Prince Harry and the grandfather of five grandchildren. Prince William, Prince of Wales, is currently first in line to the British throne.
As sovereign, Charles III is Head of State of the United Kingdom, sovereign of 14 other Commonwealth realms and Head of the Commonwealth. His role is mainly constitutional, representative and ceremonial.
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