FX.co ★ 10 curious facts about Britain’s new monarch Charles III

Longest-serving heir to throne

This year, the United Kingdom celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and Her Majesty's 96th birthday. She became the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the country. King Charles III was famously the longest-serving heir in British history. He was just 4 years old when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, ascended the throne. In November, Britain’s new monarch turns 74.

Unhappy child

Prince Charles was born on November 15, 1948. He became the firstborn of Princess Elizabeth and her husband Philip. The couple had 4 children. Charles is usually unwilling to talk about his childhood. He was an unhappy child because his mother was too busy with monarch duties and was not particularly interested in family affairs. His father had rather strict principles of upbringing. Prince Philip did not approve of the excessive sensitivity of his son. For this reason, he tried to make him tougher by using sometimes rather questionable methods.

Bitter memories of school years

Prince Charles was initially home-schooled. He continued his studies at the most prestigious schools in the country: Hill House in London and Charm School in Hampshire. After graduating from elementary school, Philip decided that Charles should attend his alma mater - Gordonstoun School, a private boarding school in Scotland. It was well known for its firm egalitarian principles. Charles did not feel a good fit at Gordonstoun and later labelled it as "an absolute hell", calling the school "Colditz in kilts". It is not surprising that he was not a decent student there.

Turning into successful student

Following his graduation from Gordonstoun, the young prince broke family tradition by enrolling in university instead of the armed forces. He arrived at Trinity College Cambridge to begin studies in archaeology and physical and social anthropology. In 1970, the Prince of Wales was awarded a Bachelor of Arts. He became the first heir to the throne to ever obtain a university degree. After that, he was interested in politics and took a seat in the House of Lords.

Art connoisseur

Since childhood, Prince Charles has had a craving for art. Back in school, he learnt to play the piano. His favorite instrument was the cello. During his time at Cambridge, Charles sang in the choir and took up acting. Now, Prince Charles makes watercolor paintings. He is a great philanthropist, patronizing various cultural foundations and organizations.

Prince of Wales

The title Prince of Wales has been reserved exclusively for the heirs to the British throne since the Middle Ages. Charles was the 21st heir to hold the title. The eldest son of Elizabeth II received it when he was 10 years old. However, the ceremony took place 10 years later. After the investiture, 20-year-old Charles began to take an active part in the public life of the country. After becoming king, he passed the title to his son William during his first address to the nation.

Fan of polo and hunting

As a child, the Prince of Wales had a hard time with any physical activity. However, he eventually found his favorite types of sports. As an excellent rider, Charles enjoyed playing equestrian polo. After more than 40 years, Charles had to give up polo. The prince also loved fox hunting and took part in it until it was banned in the 2000s.

Prince Charming

Charles made himself most popular among women. Prior to his first marriage to Diana Spencer, he had numerous affairs, including with Camilla Parker-Bowles, who later became his second wife. The wedding with Diana took place in 1981. However, even then the prince did not settle down. The media reported about his affairs from time to time. His life with Diana was rather unhappy. The couple separated after 15 years of marriage.

Father of two sons

Princess Diana and Charles had two sons. William was born in 1982 and Harry 2 years later. After the prince's ex-wife tragically died in 1997, Charles' difficult relationship with his children worsened even more. Despite the fact that the royal family demonstrates harmony and amiability to each other in public, the confrontation allegedly continues to this day.

Happy husband

In 2005, the Prince of Wales married for the second time. His wife was Camilla Parker-Bowles whom he met back in the 1970s. In his youth, Charles and Camilla had a whirlwind romance but in the end, she decided to break up and married another man. They started secretly dating again when Charles was married to Diana. The prince was seeing Camilla after the death of his ex-wife despite the fact that Elizabeth II did not approve of his affair. A few years later, the Queen Mother finally gave up and the happy couple walked down the aisle.