Exploring the legacy of King Charles III

We're taking a look back at the remarkable story of King Charles III. Ascending to the throne in September 2022, Charles III represents a modern chapter in British history, blending tradition with contemporary values. But his path to kingship was paved with decades of public service and personal dedication. Join us as we explore his journey and pivotal moments that define his reign.

King Charles III was born on the 14th of November 1948 in Buckingham Palace during the reign of his grandfather, King George VI. He was the first child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His early years were shaped by the responsibilities and expectations of being the heir apparent, a role he embraced with a sense of duty and commitment.

A life of public service 

King Charles III was educated at Cheam School and Gordonstoun, before spending six months at the Geelong Grammar School in Australia. He later pursued higher education at Cambridge University, where he studied anthropology, archaeology, and history.

In 1958 he was appointed the title, Prince of Wales and held this title for six decades. During this time, he undertook numerous royal duties and developed a strong commitment to various causes.

One of his most notable achievements was the establishment of The Prince’s Trust in 1976, an organisation aimed at supporting young people facing challenges. Under his leadership, the Trust has helped over a million young individuals across the UK, demonstrating his dedication to social betterment.

King Charles III has established an additional 16 charities along side The Princes Trust and serves as the president of each. During his time as the Prince of Wales, he became patron/president to over 800 other organisations and charities. 

Charles was also a passionate advocate for environmental issues and conservation. His initiatives included promoting sustainable farming, reducing carbon emissions, and preserving historic landscapes.

Marriage and family 

In 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, a union that captured the public's imagination and brought significant media attention. The couple had two sons: William, born in 1982, and Harry, born in 1984. Despite their high-profile marriage, Charles and Diana’s relationship faced challenges, and they eventually divorced in 1996.

The enduring legacy of Diana’s charitable work and her impact on the public consciousness have remained significant.

Following his divorce, Charles found love again and married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005. Charles is the only member of the Royal family to have a civil wedding, rather than a church wedding, in England.

Camilla, now known as Queen Consort, has been a supportive partner throughout his reign, and the couple’s relationship has been marked by mutual respect and shared interests in charitable work.

The Transition to King 

Following his mother's death on the 8th of September 2022, King Charles III ascended to the throne. Charles is the longest-serving British heir apparent, surpassing King Edward VII's record of 59 years.

He is the oldest person to succeed to the British throne, aged 73 at the time. His coronation took place on the 6th of May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.

During his coronation speech, he paid tribute to his mother and announced that his eldest son William will now be appointed as the Prince of Wales. The ceremony was also televised for the first time.

Charles’s ascension to the throne as King Charles III marked the beginning of a new chapter in the British monarchy. His reign has been characterised by a commitment to modernisation, addressing contemporary issues while honouring royal traditions.

One of his notable early actions as king was to emphasise the importance of environmental sustainability on a global scale. He has used his platform to highlight the urgency of addressing climate change, advocating for international cooperation and innovative solutions. His organic farm at High grove House became a model for sustainable agriculture and inspired many to adopt eco-friendly practices.

His commitment to environmental causes is evident in his support for initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting biodiversity.

He has also began working to modernise the monarchy, ensuring it remains relevant in the 21st century. This includes adapting royal traditions to reflect contemporary values and engaging with a diverse and changing public.

Experience the flip side of Royal History at the London Dungeon 

On the search for more Royal history? Don't miss our gripping show, Rotten Royals where another King Charles, King Charles the first - meets his fate with our Royal Executioner.

But, the Royal Executioner could use your help getting the job done. That's what happens when you chop off so many HEADS for a livin'!

So come on down... you might even get some royally rotten souvin-EARS!

If you're captivated by King Charles III’s journey and want to delve deeper into London's rich royal heritage, be sure to explore our previous blog on London's Royal History, where we look into the fascinating events that have shaped the British monarchy through the ages.