He had been preparing for this role all his life. As the eldest of Queen Elizabeth's children, he has been in line for the throne for 70 years, a record in the royal family.
Charles will be crowned on May 6th and, as the date approaches, many are preoccupied with the numerous dramas and squabbles leading up to the big event.
But perhaps one of the most interesting and yet overlooked elements of this coronation is the fact that Charles will be the oldest in history to wear a crown.
King Charles III maintains the monarchy through succession.
At 74 years old, it really is unusual – and the event has received mixed reviews in the UK. Some wish His Royal Highness the best, others want the crown to pass to his son William, Prince of Wales, while others are calling for the monarchy to be abolished altogether.
The king has a tough job ahead of him, but after waiting so long, it can be assumed that he will not miss this opportunity now.
On 10 September, Charles (officially the Prince of Wales), was crowned King in a ceremony before the Council of Accession. It happened two days after his mother, Queen Elizabeth, died.
That morning, briefly, flags in Britain were flying at full mast. Shortly after the ceremony, flags were flown back to half-mast out of respect for Her Majesty's death. Charles, in his first speech to the mourning subjects, promised to follow in the footsteps of his dear mother.
