After a lifetime of preparation, Charles takes the throne
LONDON (AP) — Prince Charles has been preparing to be king his entire life. Now his moment has arrived.
Following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles is now the oldest person to take the British throne. No date has been set for his coronation. And it’s not immediately clear whether the new monarch would call himself Charles III or choose another name, as his grandfather did.
But Charles faces the enormous challenge of building the same sort of affection that characterized the relationship between his mother and the British public. Will Charles be loved by his subjects, like his mother was? It’s a question that has overshadowed his entire life.
FILE - In this Nov. 14, 1952 file photo, Prince Charles, right, sits with his sister, Princess Anne, as they pose for a photo, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Aug. 8, 1965 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles is closely followed by a member of the opposing team as he plays polo for the Rangers team in the Chairman's Cup competition at Smith's Lawn, Great Windsor Park, in Windsor, England. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 24, 1981 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer pose for photographs following the announcement of their engagement. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Pool, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2014 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, center, with his sons Prince William, right, and Prince Harry stops for the media outside Lancaster House as they arrive to attend the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Tuesday, May 22, 2018 file photo, Britian's Prince Charles, left, speaks with Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, during a garden party at Buckingham Palace in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this July 14, 2021 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles visits the Goldman Sachs Head Quarters, backdropped by the city of London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Peter Nicholls/Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this file photo dated Monday March 9, 2020, from back, Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, with Prince Charles, front, as the family members leave the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Phil Harris/Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - This is a 1981 file photo of the engagement rings of Britain's Prince Charles and his fiance Lady Diana Spencer. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, Pool, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles enters the Harvard Club to receive the Global Environment Award from the Harvard Medical School in New York. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this July 1, 1969 file photo, Prince Charles, kneels before his mother, Britain's Queen Eizabeth II, during the investiture ceremony of the Prince of Wales, at Caernafon Castle in Wales. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 19, 1965 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are surrounded by member of their family on the grounds of Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England. From left, Princess Anne, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, 5. In the pram is Prince Edward. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this June 11, 1969 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, dressed in the uniform of the Colonel in Chief of the Royal Regiment of Wales, salutes at the Regiment's Colour presentation, at Cardiff Castle in Wales. It was the first occasion for the Prince to wear uniform. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Tuesday, June 20, 2020 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles walk to the gala dinner at The Prince's Foundation in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Christine Nesbitt, Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 28, 1999 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and his companion Camilla Parker Bowles leave the Ritz Hotel in London, the first time that the couple, who have been friends for more than 25 years, have appeared together in public. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this July 27, 1958 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles walks wearing his uniform. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this April 23, 1954 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, and his sister, Princess Anne, are assisted by Admiral Earl Mountbatten and Lady Edwina Mountbatten as they step ashore at Customs House in the Grand Harbor at Malta. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Sept. 16, 1884 file photo, Britain's Prnice Charles and Princess Diana leave St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London with their new baby son. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 4, 1980 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, centre, drinks juice from a freshly-cut green coconut at Haripur village which he visited during a one-day halt in Bhubaneswar, India. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Santosh Basak, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Monday, March 9, 2020 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, in the background, leave after attending the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this March 13, 1970 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, centre, sits in the Chamber in Wellington, where she formally opened the Parliament with Prince Charles at left and Prince Philip on the right, in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this July 29, 1981 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles kisses his bride, Princess Diana, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after their wedding. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2014 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles wears a traditional Saudi uniform as he attends the traditional Saudi dancing best known as "Arda," performed during Janadriya culture festival at Der'iya in Riyadh. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Fayez Nureldine/Pool Photo via AP, file)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this May 1, 1962 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, tours his new school, Gordsonstoun, near Elgin, Scotland with his father, Prince Philip, as he arrives to start his first term. At left is house Master Robert Whitby, and Headmaster Mr. Robert Chew at right. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Wednesday, March 29, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles smiles during a welcoming ceremony at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest, Romania. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - Prince Charles is seated next to the Queen's crown during the State Opening of Parliament, at the Palace of Westminster in London, May 10, 2022. Queen Elizabeth II did not attend the opening of Parliament amid ongoing mobility issues. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Saturday, May 19, 2018 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and Doria Ragland, mother of the bride, depart after the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Owen Humphreys/Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this April 22, 1975 file photo, Britian's'Prince Charles, right, and Margaret Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, are photographed before dinner at Government House in Ottawa, Canada. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2019 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles arrive for the State Opening of Parliament at the Houses of Parliament in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Toby Melville, Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this March 5, 2019 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is joined by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and at rear, from left, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a reception at Buckingham Palace, London to mark the 50th anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Dominic Lipinski/Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2019 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, with Prince Charles, delivers the Queen's Speech at the official State Opening of Parliament in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Victoria Jones/Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this May 15, 2019 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles greets guests during a garden party at Buckingham Palace in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Victoria Jones/Pool Photo via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 26, 1980 file photo Britain's Prince Charles changes his shirt at the end of a polo match in New Delhi, India. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this June 10, 2021 file photo Britain's Prince Charles cycles with representatives of the British Asian Trust at Highgrove in Gloucestershire before they embark on the charity's 'Palaces on Wheels' cycling event, in England. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Arthur Edwards/Pool Photo via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this April 17, 2021 file photo, Prince Charles with other family members follow the coffin during a procession arriving at St George's Chapel for the funeral of Britain's Prince Philip inside Windsor Castle in Windsor, England. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Paul Edwards/Pool via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 1965 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, gestures, during the dagger scene in Gordonstoun School's production of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in which he played the title role, in Gordonstoun, near Elgin, Scotland. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this March 9, 1981 file photo, Princess Grace of Monaco is pictured with Princess Diana and Prince Charles during a visit to London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Saturday, April 9, 2005 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaks to Prince Charles, with his bride Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, right, as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor, England following the church blessing of their civil wedding ceremony. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/ Alastair Grant, Pool, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this June 22, 1982 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and wife Princess Diana take home their newborn son Prince William, as they leave St. Mary's Hospital in London. (AP Photo/John Redman, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this April 28, 1977 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, skis at the alpine resort of Isola 2000, north of Nice, France. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this March 25, 1968 file photo, Prince Charles looks on, durig a procession, in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Peter Kemp, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, left, speaks with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge as they arrive for the World premiere of the new film from the James Bond franchise 'No Time To Die', in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 1076 file photo, Britain's Prince Andrew, foreground, with his elder brother, Prince Charles, look on during Prince Andrew's first visit on HMS Bronington. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 22, 1982 file photo, Britain's Prince William, the 6-month old son of British Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales interacts with his parents during a special photo call at Kensington Palace in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/David Caulkin, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, listen to a choir sing and dance during a tour of Soweto, South Africa. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (Kim Ludbrook, Pool Photo via AP, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 14, 1951 file photo, Britain's King George VI sits with his grandson Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, in London. The Prince was celebrating his third birthday. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this April 10, 1949 file photo, Prince Charles of Edinburgh, left, sits for a photo with his mother, Princess Elizabeth, in Buckingham Palace, London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 12, 1955 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles poses for a photo, wearing a kilt of Balmoral Tartan on the grounds of Balmoral Castle, in Balmoral, Scotland. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Saturday, April 9, 2005 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and his bride Camilla Duchess of Cornwall leave St George's Chapel in Windsor, England following the church blessing of their civil wedding ceremony. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/ Alastair Grant, Pool, File)Photo by: Associated Press
FILE - In this Tuesday, July 10, 2018 file photo, members of the royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, with from left, Prince Charles, Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge, as they watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London. Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his entire life. Now, that moment has finally arrived. Charles, the oldest person to ever assume the British throne, became king on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)Photo by: Associated Press