God Save the KING!

As a documentary new pays tribute to His Majesty, we look back at his journey from Prince to monarch...

- JUDY EWENS

CHARLES: OUR NEW KING NEW WED, 9PM, ITV FACTUAL 

At the age of 73, King Charles III became the oldest monarch to ascend the British throne following the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September. He had been the nation's longest-serving heir apparent - a role he assumed aged three when his grandfather George VI died on 6 February 1952 and his mother became Queen.

Ahead of His Majesty's 74th birthday on 14 November, a new ITV documentary, Charles: Our New King, presented by Tom Bradby, looks at the man behind the monarch from his birth to his long tenure as the Prince of Wales.

There are insights from his close friends, those who've worked with him, as well as people who've helped him with causes close to his heart.

Here, TV Times looks back at his journey from Prince to King...

CHARLES: OUR NEW KING is previewed on pages 68-69

1 BORN TO BE KING

Charles Philip Arthur George was born in Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1948. Four years later, on 2 June 1953, he attended the Coronation of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. 

In 1956, he became the first heir apparent to attend school - Hill House in London-rather than be educated by a private tutor. He went on to his father's old school Gordonstoun in Scotland, where he did not enjoy the famously tough regime - although he later said, 'It taught me to accept challenges and take the initiative.'

2 CROWNED PRINCE OF WALES 

On 26 July 1958, the then nine-year-old Charles was made Prince of Wales, but his investiture was not held for another 11 years so that he could fully understand the significance of the position. On 1 July 1969, aged 20, Charles was crowned by his mother at Caernarfon Castle in a televised ceremony.