How Long Did Prince Charles Wait to Become King Charles III?

Charles III became king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Born November 14, 1948, to Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Charles spent most of his life as heir apparent, not ruler. As prince of Wales, he was the first heir to the British throne to earn a bachelor’s degree, an active member of the Royal Navy, a skilled pilot, and a strong voice for environmental issues. CHARLES III: After all, if we are to restore the critical balance between people and planet, we need to protect, restore, and invest in nature. Charles’ personal life was also subject to attention from the press, especially his fraught marriage to the beloved Princess Diana; his relationship with their sons, William and Harry; and his eventual marriage to Camilla, duchess of Cornwall. After the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from royal life in 2020 and the death of Prince Philip in 2021, Charles took on an increasing amount of royal duties. By 2022, some suggested, he had effectively become a regent for a grieving, and ailing, Elizabeth. On September 8, 2022, Elizabeth II died at age 96. And more than 50 years after his investiture as prince of Wales at age 20, Charles became king.