HRH The Prince of Wales was born on 14 November 1948 at Buckingham Palace. As he grew older he collected a mass of titles including Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay and Earl of Chester, as well as Prince of Wales.

After school, Charles studied archaeology and anthropology and, for his final two years, history at Cambridge. He graduated in 1970 and, being old before his time, took his seat in the House of Lords. Next, Charles got a fixation with aircraft out of his system, learning to fly jet planes with the Royal Air Force and helicopters with the Royal Navy. He left the Navy in 1976.

Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 in St Paul's Cathedral. They had two children, Prince William and Prince Henry, before divorcing in August 1996. A year later Diana died in a car crash.

Charles' association with various charities occupies the majority of his time - The Prince's Trust helps deprived youngsters into education or with starting in business. His other passions include the environment - evident at his Highgrove organic farm, architecture, heritage and integrated health care.

While the controversy over Charles's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles has cooled, many are still against any title for Camilla if they married. However, as Charles is only 22 years younger than the Queen, he may be outlived by his mother and never be king.