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In Photos: King Charles III Through the Years

As the longest-serving heir to the British throne, Charles has had experiences that few can even imagine.

Headshot of Julia ShinglerBy Julia Shingler
preview for The Life of King Charles III

On September 8, 2022, after 70 years as heir to the throne, the man formerly known as Prince Charles officially became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. But even before his reign as Charles III began, the late Queen's eldest son carved out quite a presence for himself as a working royal, taking on a host of responsibilities for the nation, and campaigning for issues close to him including solutions to climate change. Here, take a look back at King Charles's life.

1948

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A newborn Prince Charles in the arms of his mother, Princess Elizabeth.

1949

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Blowing out a candle on his birthday.

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1949

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Charles posed with his mother, then-Princess Elizabeth.

1950

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The Queen Mother with her grandson Prince Charles and Pippin the dog.

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1951

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Charles with his grandfather, King George VI.

1952

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Princess Elizabeth as a young mother watching Prince Charles while he plays in a toy car.

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1953

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The Queen Mother, Prince Charles, and Princess Margaret in the royal box at Westminster Abbey watching the 1953 Coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II.

1954

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With his younger sister, Princess Anne.

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1954

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Charles and his grandmother, the Queen Mother, played in the The Little House or Y Bwthyn Bach—a playhouse near the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

1954

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Young Charles posed for his official birthday portrait.

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1955

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A love of horses clearly runs in the royal family.

1956

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Queen Elizabeth II with the young prince at Windsor Great Park during a polo match.

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1957

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On the sailboat 'Bluebottle' during a regatta in Cowes.

1958

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Prince Charles returning to school.

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1959

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The royal family poses for a portrait at Windsor Castle.

1960

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1962

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Charles arrives at Gordonstoun School in Scotland for his first term.

1964

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Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne attend the Braemor Games.

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1965

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Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh with their children.

1966

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Prince Charles walking his dog. Naturally, it's a corgi.

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