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As the longest-serving heir to the British throne, Charles has had experiences that few can even imagine.
The moment his mother died, Charles became King. But before his reign as Charles III began, Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son carved out quite a presence for himself as a working royal, taking on a host of responsibilities for the nation, and campaigning for issues close to him including solutions to climate change. Here, a look back at his life.
A newborn Prince Charles in the arms of his mother, Princess Elizabeth.
Blowing out a candle on his birthday.
The Queen Mother with her grandson Prince Charles and Pippin the dog.
Charles with his grandfather, King George VI.
Princess Elizabeth as a young mother watching Prince Charles while he plays in a toy car.
The Queen Mother, Prince Charles, and Princess Margaret in the royal box at Westminster Abbey watching the 1953 Coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II.
With his younger sister, Princess Anne.
A love of horses clearly runs in the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth II with the young prince at Windsor Great Park during a polo match.
On the sailboat ‘Bluebottle’ during a regatta in Cowes.
Prince Charles returning to school.
The royal family poses for a portrait at Windsor Castle.
At Princess Margaret’s wedding.
Charles arrives at Gordonstoun School in Scotland for his first term.
Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne attend the Braemor Games.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh with their children.
Prince Charles walking his dog. Naturally, it’s a corgi.
Prince Charles and Princess Anne arrive at the House of Lords in London for the state opening of parliament
Charles, Prince of Wales prepares an aircraft to take off during a flying lesson.
Queen Elizabeth II crowns her son Charles, Prince of Wales.
Much like his mother, Prince Charles is quite the equestrian. Here he is with and his sister Princess Anne galloping on horseback on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
At the helm of his yacht ‘Coweslip’ off the Isle of Wight during a regatta.
Posing for a photo with his family at Buckingham Palace.
A portrait of the royal family at Princess Anne’s wedding.
Charles during a tour of Australia.
The Prince of Wales makes a speech during a visit to Fiji.
He is seen here during a tour of the Northwestern Territories of Canada.
Prince Edward looks up at his older brother while attending the Olympic Games in Montreal.
In his cabin aboard HMS Bronington, during his time as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy.
Prince Charles is all smiles on his 30th birthday.