Charles, Prince of Wales marries Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony at Windsor's Guildhall.

Born on 14 November 1948, Charles Philip Arthur George, who would famously be known for decades as Charles, Prince of Wales, embarked on a life destined for the British throne. As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, he held the unique and often challenging position of heir apparent, a role he fulfilled for an unprecedented length of time. From 1952, when his mother ascended to the throne, he was not only the heir apparent but also simultaneously held the ancient titles of Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay, signifying his direct lineage as the monarch’s eldest son in England and Scotland, respectively. His tenure as heir apparent was the longest in British history, making him both the oldest and the longest-serving individual to hold this specific status. Furthermore, he became the longest-serving Prince of Wales, a title bestowed upon him in July 1958. A significant change occurred within the Royal Family in April 2021 when, upon the passing of his beloved father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles also inherited the title of Duke of Edinburgh, adding another layer to his already extensive list of royal designations.

Charles’s early life began within the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, marking him as the first grandchild of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. His education, a blend of tradition and modernity for a royal of his generation, commenced at Cheam and Gordonstoun schools, notable institutions also attended by his father, Prince Philip. This shared experience likely forged a unique understanding between father and son. Further broadening his horizons, he spent a formative year abroad at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in rural Victoria, Australia, an experience that introduced him to a different cultural landscape and an environment far removed from royal life. After completing his schooling, Charles pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge, a notable achievement for a future monarch. Following his academic pursuits, he served his country with distinction in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, contributing to the armed forces from 1971 to 1976, fulfilling a long-standing tradition of military service within the British Royal Family.

Personal Life and Relationships

Charles’s personal life, particularly his marriages, has often been a subject of intense public and media scrutiny. In 1981, he married Lady Diana Spencer in a globally televised ceremony that captured the hearts of millions, seen by many as a modern-day fairy tale. Together, they had two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who would grow up to become prominent figures in the Royal Family. However, the pressures of royal life and personal challenges led to the eventual breakdown of their marriage. Following well-publicized extramarital affairs by both parties, the couple divorced in 1996. Tragically, Diana’s life was cut short the following year as a result of a devastating car crash in Paris, an event that sent shockwaves around the world. Years later, in 2005, Charles married his long-term partner, Camilla Parker Bowles, in a ceremony that acknowledged their enduring relationship and brought a new chapter to his personal life.

Royal Duties and Philanthropic Endeavors

As the Prince of Wales, Charles bore significant responsibility, undertaking numerous official duties on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. These engagements ranged from state visits and diplomatic functions to opening new facilities and attending commemorative events, all integral to representing the British Crown. Beyond his formal obligations, Charles dedicated considerable energy to a wide array of philanthropic causes and organizations. In 1976, he founded The Prince's Trust, a highly successful charity that has since supported countless young people in the UK to turn their lives around, find employment, and build confidence. He also became the overarching sponsor of The Prince's Charities, a group of non-profit organizations working across diverse areas such as education, sustainable development, and traditional arts. His commitment extended far beyond these initiatives, serving as a patron, president, or a member of over 400 other charities and organizations, reflecting a profound dedication to public service and social betterment.

Advocacy, Interests, and Influence

Charles distinguished himself through his outspoken advocacy on various issues, often taking stances that were considered ahead of their time or sometimes controversial. A self-described environmentalist, he spoke publicly and passionately about organic farming and the urgent need to address climate change decades before these topics gained mainstream prominence. His early and persistent efforts in these areas earned him considerable recognition and numerous awards from environmental groups worldwide. However, his public endorsement of alternative medicine, particularly homeopathy, has been a subject of criticism from the scientific and medical communities. Furthermore, Charles held strong views on the role of architecture in society and the importance of conserving historic buildings. His opinions on urban planning and aesthetics garnered significant attention and debate among British architects and design critics. Demonstrating his commitment to these principles, since 1993, he has been actively involved in the creation of Poundbury, an experimental new town in Dorset designed according to his traditional architectural tastes and principles of sustainable urbanism. Beyond his advocacy, Charles is also an accomplished author or co-author of a number of books, reflecting his varied interests and intellectual pursuits.

The Wedding of Charles and Camilla

The wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles on 9 April 2005 marked a significant moment in their long relationship and in the history of the British Royal Family. The couple chose a civil ceremony, held at the historic Windsor Guildhall, a more understated approach compared to traditional royal weddings. This civil service was conducted in the presence of their close families, a private and intimate affair. Following the civil proceedings, a deeply meaningful Church of England Service of Prayer and Dedication took place at St George's Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle. This service, which incorporated an act of penitence, was a blessing of their union in the eyes of the Church. Notably, the groom's parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, made the personal decision not to attend the civil wedding ceremony, though they were very much present at the Service of Prayer and Dedication, offering their support and blessing to the couple. Afterwards, they hosted a reception for the newlyweds at Windsor Castle, celebrating the occasion with dignity and warmth. This marriage formally recognized and solidified the long-standing relationship between Charles and Camilla. Upon their union, Camilla assumed the title of Duchess of Cornwall, aligning with her husband's primary dukedom. The proceedings of the Service of Prayer and Dedication were extensively covered by the BBC network, allowing the public to witness this historic event. The guest list for the blessing included a distinguished array of international political, religious, and royal figures, alongside various celebrities, reflecting the couple's broad connections. The media, capturing the essence of the event and the couple's journey, aptly described the wedding as "A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups," acknowledging the unique path they had taken to reach their happy ending.

Frequently Asked Questions about Charles, Prince of Wales

Who was Charles, Prince of Wales?
Charles Philip Arthur George, born on 14 November 1948, was the heir apparent to the British throne for an unprecedented period, as the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. He held this title and position until his accession to the throne.
What were his most significant titles as heir apparent?
As heir apparent, he was primarily known as the Prince of Wales. He also held the titles of Duke of Cornwall (in England) and Duke of Rothesay (in Scotland) from 1952. Upon the death of his father in 2021, he also inherited the title of Duke of Edinburgh.
How long did he serve as heir apparent and Prince of Wales?
He was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, holding the position since 1952. He was also the longest-serving Prince of Wales, having held that specific title since July 1958.
Where did he receive his education?
He was educated at Cheam and Gordonstoun schools, followed by a year at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge.
What military service did he undertake?
Charles served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976.
Who were his wives and how many children did he have?
He first married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, with whom he had two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. They divorced in 1996. In 2005, he married his long-term partner, Camilla Parker Bowles.
What were his key philanthropic initiatives?
He founded The Prince's Trust in 1976, which helps young people, and sponsored The Prince's Charities. He was also a patron, president, or member of over 400 other charities and organizations.
What notable interests and advocacies did he pursue?
He was a prominent environmentalist, advocating for organic farming and climate change awareness. He also held strong views on architecture, leading to the creation of the experimental town of Poundbury, and supported alternative medicine, notably homeopathy.
When and where did he marry Camilla Parker Bowles?
Their wedding took place on 9 April 2005, in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a Service of Prayer and Dedication at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Why didn't Queen Elizabeth II attend the civil ceremony?
While a specific official reason was not provided, it was understood to be a reflection of the Church of England's position on divorcees remarrying, and a decision made to keep the focus on the blessing. However, both the Queen and Prince Philip attended the Service of Prayer and Dedication and hosted a reception for the couple afterwards.