Prince Charles in pictures: A look back at Prince Charles’ life to mark his 69th birthday
AS Prince Charles celebrates his 69th birthday, here is a look back at the life of Britain’s longest serving heir to the throne.
Prince Charles in pictures: A look back at Prince Charles’ life
The Prince of Wales is marking his birthday privately today after laying a wreath at the Cenotaph instead of his mother on Remembrance Sunday.
The symbolic moment on Sunday showed that the Queen, now 91, is starting to hand more of her regal duties over to her son Charles.
Here is a look at Prince Charles' life in pictures to celebrate his 69th birthday as he continues to prepare for becoming king one day.
Prince Charles as a boy
Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, the eldest child of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948. He weighed 7lb 6oz.
The formal photograph below shows Prince Charles sleeping in the arms of then Princess Elizabeth after his Christening at Buckingham Palace in December 1948.
Prince Charles in pictures: Prince Charles as a baby
Charles’ sister Anne was born on August 15 1950. His brother Prince Andrew was born on February 19 1960 and Prince Edward was born on March 10 1964.
The candid family photo below shows Prince Charles and Princess Anne being pushed on a swing by the Duke of Edinburgh in the grounds of Balmoral.
Prince Charles in pictures: Prince Charles on a swing with his sister Anne
Prince Charles in pictures: Prince Charles as a young boy
Elizabeth II is pictured below holding Prince Edward and surrounded by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew at Windsor on her 39th birthday.
Prince Charles in pictures: Prince Charles as a teenager
Prince Charles as Diana’s husband
Prince Charles and Diana’s doomed marriage began with their lavish wedding on July 29 1981. They separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996.
For a while, the couple lived the royal fairytale in the public eye and welcomed the arrival of their sons Princes William and Harry.
Diana later spoke about how she and Charles had a duty to keep up appearances even as their marriage fell apart behind the scenes.
In a Panorama interview in 1995, Diana confirmed that she knew about Camilla’s affair with Prince Charles from the late 1980s onwards.
Asked if Camilla was a factor in the breakdown of the marriage, she said: “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”
Prince Charles as Camilla’s husband
Prince Charles married Camilla in April 2005 and it is believed he wants to make her his queen one day.
The couple have fulfilled their royal duties and toured the world together.