When Charles Philip Arthur George was born in November 1948 to the then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, he was destined to be King.
Though their relationship may not be the most emotionally close it’s safe to say that Charles has the utmost respect for his mother and has been preparing for virtually his entire life to be King.
Speaking at her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the then Prince Charles honoured his mother with a personal speech delivered to a cheering crowd.
“I was three when my grandfather George VI died and suddenly, unexpectedly, you and my father’s lives were irrevocably changed when you were only 26,” he said at the time.
“So as a nation this is our opportunity to thank you and my father for always being there for us. For inspiring us with your selfless duty and service and for making us proud to be British.”
With the death of Queen Elizabeth, the purpose for which the now King Charles was born is being realised.
Keep scrolling to see the Queen and Prince Charles’ remarkable bond in pictures.
Queen and Prince Charles
Born in November 1948, Charles Philip Arthur George is the Queen’s eldest child.
Queen and Prince Charles
At age three, Charles (pictured here in 1950) became heir apparent and was just four-years-old when his mother was crowned Queen.
Charles coronation
“I have vivid memories of the coronation, of my mother coming to say goodnight to my sister and me while wearing a crown so that she could get used to its weight on her head before the coronation ceremony.”
Young Prince Charles
As Charles grew into a young man, he took on more royal responsibilities.
Family
Unlike his sibling Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, Prince Charles’ destiny to be king was at the forefront of everything he did.
Prince of Wales
In 1969, the Queen crowned her son during his investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales at Caernarvon Castle.
Prince Charles
A rare moment of public affection between the mother and son.
Queen Mother
Before she died in 2002, Prince Charles had a close relationship with his maternal grandmother, the Queen Mother.
“My grandmother was the person who taught me to look at things,” the Prince of Wales told royal biographer Jonathan Dimbleby.
Prince Charles pays tribute to his beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother
Charles and Diana wedding
On her son’s wedding day to Lady Diana Spencer, the Queen joined the newlyweds on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Diana and Queen
Royal biographer Tina Brown says it was the Queen’s decision for Charles and Diana to ultimately divorce, telling her daughter-in-law in a letter that it would be “in the best interests of the country”.
Queen Prince’s Trust
The Queen has also expressed her admiration for her son’s charity work with The Prince’s Trust.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say to you, Charles, how proud I am of everything you have accomplished with The Trust and the way you personally have inspired this organisation,” she said in 1999 after presenting the charity with a royal charter.
Camilla wedding
Though she did not attend the wedding ceremony, of her son and second wife Camilla Parker Bowles, the Queen and Prince Philip did appear at the religious blessing and reception.
“They have overcome Becher’s Brook and The Chair and all kinds of other terrible obstacles, they have come through and I’m very proud and wish them well. My son is home and dry with the woman he loves,” she remarked in her toast.
Queen and Prince Charles
The Prince of Wales has the utmost respect for his mother.
Queen and Prince Charles parliament
Following Prince Philip’s retirement, Prince Charles often accompanied his mother to official royal events including the opening of parliament.
Queen and Prince Charles
In 2019, the Prince of Wales celebrated 50 years since his investiture ceremony surrounded by his family.
Charles and Queen
It’s not all diamonds and military regalia!
Heirs
Charles’ son Prince William and grandson Prince George will continue the line of succession.
Prince Charles and the Queen
She may be the Queen, but to Charles she is “Mummy”.
