The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles), Heir Apparent to the British Throne

Prince Charles, the eldest son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh, was born on November 14, 1948 and was christened Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.

The Prince took his seat in the House of Lords on February 11, 1970 and began training as a jet pilot with the Royal Air Force (RAF) Cranwell in March 1971. That September, he followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and both great-grandfathers by beginning his naval career. He attended the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, and served on HMS Norfolk and two frigates. In 1974, The Prince qualified as a helicopter pilot and joined 845 Naval Air Squadron. Two years later, he took command of HMS Bronington for his last nine months in the Navy.

The Prince married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981. They had two sons; Prince William and Prince Harry. Their marriage was dissolved on August 28, 1996 and nine years later, The Prince married Mrs. Camilla Parker Bowles.

Much of The Prince’s role involves supporting The Queen as a focal point for national pride; embodying stability; inspiring unity across all segments of society; and promoting the importance of volunteerism. The Prince also provides a voice for those groups who might otherwise not be heard by writing letters, meeting with influential people, giving speeches, writing articles and appearing on television programmes.