Charles III

NAME Charles III (Charles Philip Arthur George)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms. Known for his long tenure as Prince of Wales, his public and charitable work, his passion for the environment and architecture, and his often controversial statements on public matters.

BIRTH Charles III was born at Buckingham Palace at 9:14 pm on November 14, 1948.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Charles III is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was born into the British royal family and became heir apparent at the age of three when his mother ascended to the throne in 1952.

King Charles III has three siblings: Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

With his parents and sister Anne, October 1957

CHILDHOOD Prince Charles was baptized with water from the River Jordan at Buckingham Palace. His father, Prince Philip, was famously playing squash when Charles was born. 

As a child, Charles developed an interest in stamp collecting, particularly the colorful stamps from the places his parents visited. However, this hobby was not shared by his mother, who owned the Royal Philatelic Collection. 

EDUCATION Charles attended Hill House School in West London and later Gordonstoun School in Scotland, the same school his father had attended. He was appointed school guardian (head boy) in his final year and even starred as the Pirate King in a school production of The Pirates of Penzance. 

In 1966 Charles spent two terms at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia, 

He later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he initially studied archaeology and anthropology before switching to history. In 1970, Charles became the first heir to the British throne to complete a university degree, graduating with a 2:2 degree in history.

CAREER RECORD Charles began his career in the Royal Navy in 1971, serving on several ships, including the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and the Commando carrier HMS Hermes. 

He qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1974 and commanded the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington. 

Charles undertook royal duties and charitable work for decades before becoming King on his mother's death on September 9, 2022.

APPEARANCE Charles is often described as tall, with distinctive features including large ears, which have often been the subject of public comment.

Charles III in 2023

FASHION Known for his traditional and classic style, Charles often wears tailored suits and has a preference for double-breasted jackets. 

He has been noted for his advocacy of sustainable fashion and has reduced his carbon footprint by running his vintage Aston Martin on biofuel made from surplus wine.

CHARACTER Charles is considered a complex figure—reserved and thoughtful, with a keen intellect and strong opinions on a range of topics. He has been described as compassionate and dedicated to his charitable endeavors, but also as sometimes aloof and sensitive to criticism.

SENSE OF HUMOUR He is known to have a dry and often self-deprecating sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS In the spring of 1981, as daffodils bloomed and birds chirped merrily across the English countryside, Prince Charles - a man who had spent his entire life waiting to inherit a job from his mother - decided it was high time to take a wife. With all the romantic fervor of a man selecting a new pair of sensible shoes, he announced his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer on February 24th. When asked if he was in love, the Prince responded with a phrase that would make Casanova weep: "Whatever 'in love' means." One can only imagine the swooning that ensued.

On July 29, 1981, Charles and Diana tied the knot in St Paul's Cathedral, an event watched by over 700 million people worldwide. The wedding was a spectacle of such grandiose proportions that it made the construction of the pyramids look like a backyard DIY project. Brides Magazine, ever the authority on fiscal responsibility, estimated the cost at a mere $48 million - or $110 million in today's money, roughly the GDP of a small island nation.

The union produced two sons: William, born in 1982, and Harry, born in 1984. One imagines the Queen breathing a sigh of relief at the arrival of an heir and a spare, her dynastic duties thus fulfilled.

Alas, the fairy tale was not to last. After years of what can only be described as a marriage of inconvenience, Charles and Diana's union was dissolved on August 28, 1996, in a London basement at the ungodly hour of 10:27 am. The couple, demonstrating their commitment to the very end, were 500 miles apart at the time. The court action cost $31.00, proving that while you can't put a price on love, you can certainly put one on its demise.

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles made their grand debut as a couple in public on a rather unremarkable day in 1999. They emerged from the Ritz Hotel in London, a venue that has seen more scandal than a tabloid editor on a slow news day, and posed for the cameras like two slightly nervous teenagers at their first school dance. This was no ordinary outing; it was the moment the world had been waiting for, as the long-rumored romance finally stepped into the spotlight, ready for its close-up.

Fast forward to April 9, 2005, a date that would be etched in the annals of royal history. Charles and Camilla, now officially an item, exchanged vows in a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor. Yes, you heard that right—a civil ceremony! This was a royal first, as Charles opted for a registry office rather than the grandiosity of a church. It was a bit like choosing to have a quiet cup of tea instead of a lavish banquet. The couple's wedding was a blend of tradition and modernity, with a subsequent religious blessing at St. George's Chapel, because what’s a royal wedding without a sprinkle of pomp and circumstance?

The event was attended by a select few, including the Queen, who, despite her reluctance to witness her son’s unconventional nuptials, managed to show up for the blessing. One can only imagine the conversations that took place over cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey afterward. Charles and Camilla’s union was a saga of love, resilience, and a touch of royal rebellion, marking a new chapter in the life of a prince who had long been entwined in a narrative of duty, heartbreak, and, ultimately, love.

MONEY AND FAME As Duke of Cornwall, Charles inherited the revenue from the Duchy of Cornwall, which provided him with a substantial income. He also inherits possessions of those who die in Cornwall without a will or next of kin. As a high-profile royal, Charles has always been in the public eye and was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history.

FOOD AND DRINK Charles is known for his commitment to organic farming and locally sourced produce. He has even converted his own farms to organic methods and is a patron of various food and agricultural initiatives.

MUSIC AND ARTS Charles is passionate about the arts, particularly classical music and opera. He has also dabbled in watercolor painting and had one of his watercolors displayed in the Royal Academy’s summer exhibition in 1987.

LITERATURE Charles has expressed a deep love for literature and has often quoted Shakespeare and other literary figures in his speeches.

Has authored or co-authored 17 books on various topics. They include Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World (2010), which reflects his views on the environment, architecture, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. It was co-written with Tony Juniper and Ian Skelly, emphasizing sustainable living and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations

NATURE A long-time advocate for environmental causes, Charles has spoken out about climate change, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. He has implemented many green practices in his homes and gardens.

PETS Charles has always had a love for animals and has been seen with various pets throughout his life, including Jack Russell Terriers.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS He enjoys watercolor painting, opera, and hedgelaying, a traditional British practice of maintaining hedgerows. Charles has been a keen sportsman, enjoying polo and sailing in his younger years.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Charles has shown interest in sustainable technologies and environmental science, advocating for alternative energy and organic farming.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY As the Monarch of the United Kingdom, Charles is the "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England and a sworn protector of the Church of Scotland. He is a committed Anglican Christian and has often spoken about interfaith dialogue and understanding.

POLITICS Although a constitutional monarch, Charles has often expressed his views on issues such as architecture, environment, and agriculture, sparking debates about the proper role of the royal family in political matters.

SCANDAL Charles has been at the center of several controversies, including his comments on modern architecture, which he famously called "monstrous carbuncles." His affair with Camilla Parker Bowles during his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, also generated significant scandal.

MILITARY RECORD Charles served in the Royal Navy, where he gained various ranks and qualifications, including that of a helicopter pilot. He remains an Admiral in the Royal Navy, an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force, and a General in the Army.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Charles has been generally fit and active throughout his life, participating in sports such as polo and skiing. He was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024

HOMES Charles has several residences, including Highgrove House, Clarence House, Birkhall in Scotland, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

TRAVEL Charles has traveled extensively both within the UK and internationally, often on official royal duties. He has visited numerous countries as a representative of the British Crown.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles has been featured in numerous documentaries, interviews, and news segments throughout his life. His life and relationships have also been portrayed in popular culture, including television series such as The Crown.

ACHIEVEMENTS Charles has been a significant patron of over 400 charities, set up The Prince’s Trust, and has been an outspoken advocate for the environment, architecture, and social issues. His coronation as King took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey.