King Charles III is the king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He ascended to the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. On May 6, 2023, Charles was crowned in a televised coronation ceremony. 

Charles was born on Nov. 14, 1948, and is the eldest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. His younger siblings are Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. 

In 1970, Charles became the first heir to the British crown to receive a university degree when he graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, with a focus on history. He then attended the Royal Air Force College and Royal Naval College from 1971 to 1976 and took a tour of duty with the Royal Navy. 

In 1981, Charles married the late Princess Diana. The couple went on to welcome their first son, Prince William, in 1982. William is the next in line to the British throne. Their second son, Prince Harry, was born in 1982.

Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996 after years of reports accusing Charles of having a long-term affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. Diana died in a car accident a year after the divorce was finalized.

In 2005, Charles married Parker Bowles, who took on the title Queen Camilla after Charles ascended to the throne in 2022.

In January 2024, Charles announced his diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer. “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” a statement read.