There is no denying Prince Charles has led a colourful life.
Indeed, it seems like a long time ago that the world first laid their eyes on the Prince of Wales, who was a small baby held in the arms of his mother before she became Queen.
Now, as Queen Elizabeth continues to reign as the world’s longest-serving Queen, it seems Charles will forever be etched as the kind and caring Prince we’ve all grown to know and delight in – even when he does become King.
And as Prince Charles turns 70, we wanted to take a step back and look at how the royal dad-of-two has grown before our very eyes, both in looks, and in wisdom.
WATCH: Prince Charles delivers poignant speech for Earth Hour:
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As the years have gone by, we’ve seen the Prince become an environmental advocate, charity worker and husband – twice – all between attending more royal engagements than one can count.
But you can’t deny the roots you came from, and Prince Charles is no exception. Keep scrolling to see the full evolution of Prince Charles, from a baby, to bachelor, to father, to grandfather!
Image: Getty Images
A royal baby debut! The world swooned as the first pictures of the future King of England surfaced after his birth in November 1948. Image: Getty Images
Those cheeks! Queen Elizabeth looked every bit the doting mum as she and Charles posed for a photo. Image: Getty Images
“Never before seen footage of the Queen and Baby Charles playing”
An only child no more! The arrival of Princess Anne meant double trouble for Elizabeth. Image: Getty Images
This rare informal image of Charles and his parents proves the royal family can be just as candid as the rest of us! Image: Getty Images
Princess Anne stole the show for a while there, but cute Prince Charles never struggled to melt hearts. Image: Getty Images
Amazing video from BABY Prince Charles christening
Charles was already on the way to becoming quite the gentleman, as captured in this image from 1955. Image: Getty Images
Watch and learn: The royal siblings were always poised during formal engagements. Image: Getty Images
A smattering of snow falls on the young Prince in this striking image. Image: Getty Images
Dressed to the nines! A teenage Charles and Anne donned their glad rags for an evening soiree. Image: Getty Images
Prince Charles’ Most Dashingly Handsome Moments Of All Time
Pictured here with ex-girlfriend Jane Ward, it’s no wonder the Prince caught plenty of female attention during his youth! Image: Getty Images
The Prince embraced full Indian culture during a visit in 1980. Image: Getty Images
Charles and 20-year-old Diana married in 1981. The couple shared a 13-year-age difference, but that didn’t seem to faze them – they looked smitten on the big day. Image: Getty Images
Polo playing is part and parcel for a royal, and Charles was no different! Image: Getty Images
Following their wedding, Charles and Diana welcomed their first son Prince William to the world in 1982. The parents looked proud as punch. Image: Getty Images
Prince Charles, Princess Diana and Prince William in 1983
The royal couple took a ski trip (and donned some fashionable ski gear) in 1984. Image: Getty Images
Baby number 2! Prince Harry was also introduced to the world in 1984 and his parents were all smiles. Image: Getty Images
The normally poised Prince looked a little out of sorts after he injured his arm playing polo in 1990. Image: Getty Images
Always up for an adventure, Charles and his young sons enjoyed plenty of holidays together. Image: Getty Images
The smile we’ve all grown to know and love: The amused Prince was pictured here in Canada in 2001. Image: Getty Images
In 2005, Prince Charles married Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in a civil ceremony. Image: Getty Images
Let’s face it, the Prince will never lose his charm! Image: Getty Images
