12 surprising facts about King Charles: he became heir to the throne at just three when Queen Elizabeth ascended and was the first to be present for the birth of his sons, Princes William and Harry
- Everyone knows about the romance drama between King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla and the late Princess Diana – but did you know he’s also one of the most successful living artists in Britain?
- Being a royal didn’t save him from being picked on in school, he loves plums and granola, and the US Secret Service’s code name for him is ‘unicorn’
Before ascending to the throne, King Charles was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. In fact, he became heir to the throne when he was just three years old.
Here are 12 more things you probably didn’t know about Britain’s new monarch …
1. King Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948
He may be the last ruler of England not to be born in a hospital. Both of his sons Prince William and Prince Harry were born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. Prince George, who is currently second in line to the throne, was also born at St Mary’s Hospital.
2. He became heir apparent to the throne at just three years old
Queen Elizabeth was crowned monarch on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father King George VI. She was just 25 years old at the time. Her eldest child, three-year-old Charles, then became heir to the throne.
Charles ascended to the throne on September 8 following the death of his mother. He was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, a position which he held for 70 years. At the age of 73, Charles is also the oldest person to assume the British throne.