On 8 September 2022, King Charles III succeeded to the British throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Thanks to her lengthy reign, Charles holds the record for the longest-serving heir apparent and Prince of Wales in British history. He is the first British monarch to be crowned in the 21st century, and his coronation marked the first time that millions of people saw this celebratory and sacred event. Join us in commemorating this historic occasion by reflecting on the most memorable moments in the king's life, from his childhood to the present day.
Welcome • King Charles III A Coronation Special
King Charles III: Life in Pictures - Coronation Special
A son and heir • 15 December 1948
Breaks at Balmoral • 22 August 1951
A loving mother • 28 September 1952
Elizabeth becomes queen • 2 June 1953
Sporting schoolboy • 8 July 1957
The Prince of Wales • 26 July 1958
Starting senior school • May 1962
A studious Prince • October 1967
Charles is invested • 1 July 1969
Prince and pilot • August 1969
Meeting of minds • Early 1970s
A Naval officer • 1971
Devastating loss • 27 August 1979
Engaged at last • 24 February 1981
A fairy tale wedding • 29 July 1981
The royal honeymoon • August 1981
An heir is born • 21 June 1982
On tour • 18 April 1983
A “marvellous” arrival • 15 September 1984
Visit to Venice • May 1985
Polo-playing prince • 28 July 1985
Artistic flair • May 1986
A country prince • July 1986
A sad separation • December 1992
Milestone moment • September 1995
Death of the People’s Princess • 31 August 1997
Birthday bash • November 1998
Charles the visionary • April 1999
A special bond • 30 March 2002
Snowy slopes • March 2005
Married at last • 9 April 2005
Wedding bells • 29 April 2011
A proud grandfather • 22 July 2013
A born leader • 19 April 2018
Blushing bride • 19 May 2018
50 years a Prince • 1 July 2019
Triumph over adversity • 11 March 2020
Death of a Prince • 9 April 2021
Eco-activism • 1 November 2021
Republican celebrations • 30 November 2021
Pomp and pageantry • 10 May 2022
A special celebration • 2 June 2022
Highland fling • 3 September 2022
Our new monarch • 9 September 2022
The King’s speech • 9 September 2022
Sovereign responsibility • 10 September 2022
An emotional farewell • 19 September 2022
Committed to duty • 3 October 2022
Christmas wishes • 25 December 2022
A new era • 31 December 2022
Extending the hand of friendship • 29 March 2023
Crowning Glory • 6 May 2023
History in the making • 6 May 2023
A triumphant celebration • 6 May 2023
