The first child of Prince Philip and the future Queen Elizabeth II was born Nov. 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace. Upon arrival, he was second in line to the throne.
During his earliest years, Charles spent months at a time with his maternal grandparents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother) while his parents lived in Malta, where Philip was stationed with the Royal Navy.
Charles' mother became Queen Elizabeth II on Feb. 6, 1952, when King George VI died at the age of 56.
Charles attended but the 4-year-old didn't play a role in his mother's coronation on June 2, 1953.
Charles remains friends with Planet Earth presenter Sir David Attenborough to this day.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first of nine U.S. presidents Charles has met to date.
Prince Andrew was born Feb. 19, 1960, and jumped Anne in the line of succession upon arrival.
1969
Charles formally became the Prince of Wales at his investiture on July 1, 1969.