Charles, Prince of Wales, in full Charles Philip Arthur George 1948-
British prince

He is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and heir apparent to the British throne. He was given the title of Prince of Wales (1958), and invested at Caernarvon (1969). Educated at Cheam School, Berkshire and Gordonstoun School in Scotland, he spent a term at Geelong Grammar School, Australia (1966), and studied at Trinity College, Cambridge (1967-70). He served in the RAF and Royal Navy (1971-76), and in 1981 married Lady Diana Frances, younger daughter of the 8th Earl Spencer. They announced their separation in 1992 and were divorced in 1996. They have two children: Prince William (1982- ), and Prince Harry (1984- ). Since leaving the navy, he has taken a special interest in industry, the problems of the inner cities, and unemployed young people. He has expressed strong views on architecture, conservation, organic farming and education, and he is a skilled fisherman, skier and painter.

Bibliography: Graham and Heather Fisher, Charles: The Man and the Prince (2nd edn, 1981)