Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became King Charles III following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
LONDON — Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, at age 73, that moment has finally arrived.
“He now finds himself in, if you like, the autumn of his life, having to think carefully about how he projects his image as a public figure,” said historian Ed Owens. “He’s nowhere near as popular as his mother.” His accession to the throne is likely to fuel debate about the future of Britain’s largely ceremonial monarchy, seen by some as a symbol of national unity and others as an obsolete vestige of feudal history.
In the same interview, however, Charles acknowledged that as king, he wouldn’t be able to speak out or interfere in politics because the role of sovereign is different from being the Prince of Wales. But it was the disintegration of his marriage to Diana that made many question his fitness for the throne. Then, as he aged, his handsome young sons stole the limelight from a man who had a reputation for being as gray as his Saville Row suits.
Although Camilla played a significant role in the breakup of Charles and Diana, her self-deprecating style and salt-of-the-earth sense of humor eventually won over many Britons. His school years were unhappy, with the future king being bullied by classmates at Gordonstoun, a Scottish boarding school that prides itself on building character through vigorous outdoor activities and educated his father, Philip.
He met Lady Diana Spencer in 1977 when she was 16 and he was dating her older sister. Diana apparently didn’t see him again until 1980, and rumors of their engagement swirled after she was invited to spend time with Charles and the royal family.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
After a lifetime of preparation, Charles takes the throneOfficials have announced he will be known as King Charles III, and will be the oldest person to take the British throne.
Read more »
After Lifetime of Preparation, Charles Takes the British ThroneCharles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. No date has been set for his coronation, and it wasn’t immediately clear whether the new monarch would call himself Charles III or choose another name as his grandfather did.
Read more »
After a lifetime of preparation, Charles takes the throneDeath of Queen Elizabeth II: After a lifetime of preparation, Charles takes the throne, now King Charles.
Read more »
After a lifetime of preparation, Charles takes the British thronePrince Charles has been preparing to be king his entire life. Now his moment has arrived.
Read more »
After a lifetime of preparation, Charles takes the throneFollowing the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles is now the oldest person to take the British throne.
Read more »
After a lifetime of preparation, King Charles III takes the thronePrince Charles has long prepared for the crown. Now, at age 73, that moment has finally arrived. Will he be as loved by his subjects? It’s a question that has overshadowed his entire life.
Read more »