Born in 1948, Charles Mountbatten-Windsor became heir to the British throne at just three years old, after the passing of George VI. While many decades would pass before he was officially proclaimed King, Charles’ early years were spent preparing him for life in the royal spotlight. From his tormented time at Gordonstoun Boarding School to his days as a young, eligible bachelor and philanthropist to his turbulent marriage to Princess Diana, we explore the pivotal moments of his youth and early adulthood that shaped the man who is now King.

Just a year after a very public divorce, Princess Diana is killed in a tragic car accident in Paris. Charles and the rest of the world are stunned. Much of Britain’s anguish is directed at Charles, conflating the breakdown of their marriage with her death. His popularity hits an all-time low and his new love, Camilla, becomes “the most hated woman in England.” But over the years, Charles is able to get his future kingship back on track, thanks to charitable endeavors and a growing family that made him a warmer, grandfatherly figure.