Skye Grainger By Skye Grainger
On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away due to natural causes at age 96, ending the longest reign of a British monarch in British history. Elizabeth reigned through major political changes including the conflict in Northern Ireland, devolution in Great Britain as a whole, radical changes in Africa, and finally Brexit—the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Her many state visits as Queen took her to numerous countries including China and Russia and included visits with five popes. Her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, heir to the throne, was named King when she died.
King Charles III was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14th, 1948. As a schoolboy, he was taught outside of the palace, then later attended the University of Cambridge, where he graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Given the title Prince of Wales, Charles learned to speak Welsh proficiently before taking a seat in the House of Lords. A few years later, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, who became The Princess of Wales, in 1981. Together they had two sons, William and Harry. Charles and Diana legally separated in 1992, and in 1997 Diana was tragically killed in a car accident while visiting Paris. In 2005, Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, a longtime acquaintance of his. Upon request of the Queen, Charles and Camilla are expected to rule side-by-side as king and queen consort.
Over the years Charles has done a great deal of charity work specifically for global sustainability and youth opportunity. He is a member and/or president of over 400 organizations and will continue to participate in them as King.
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