In 2017, how many years has Prince Charles been heir to the UK throne?

Charles, Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George born 14 November 1948), is the eldest child and heir apparent of Queen Elizabeth II. Known alternatively in South West England as Duke of Cornwall and in Scotland as Duke of Rothesay, he is the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, having held the position since 1952.

Prince Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1948, at 9:14 pm (GMT), the first child of Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and first grandchild of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. He was baptised in the palace's Music Room by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher, on 15 December 1948.

When Prince Charles was aged three his mother's accession as Queen Elizabeth II made him her heir apparent. As the monarch's eldest son, he automatically took the titles Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. Charles attended his mother's coronation at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953, seated alongside his grandmother and aunt.

Elizabeth became the Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and Head of the Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 and in 2017 she celebrated her 65th year on the throne. On the same day Prince Charles became the heir to the UK throne.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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22 Comments

Bill Coe

It appears that people have trouble reading the question or your explanation. It does clearly state "In 2017". And the explanation shows why, thought Charles is 68,k he has only been heir apparent for 65 years. Good question SPG COOL DUDE.

Kathleen Connell

Alvin Pointer, He only became heir when is mother became queen.Prior to that SHE was the heir.

Mark Savage

People don't seem to understand the way the monarchy works. At any given time there is only one heir to the throne. When Charles was born his mother was heir, as soon as his grandfather died his mother became queen and he became heir. The other members of the family are merely, in line, as in second in line, third in line etc. I think I am in the region of 50 millionth in line.

Special Patrol Group

Alvin Pointer, Please read the explanation and you would of found out what Kathleen informed you about when he became heir to the throne.

John McLardie

Amanda Read, no he wasn't! He didn't become heir to the throne until his mother became Queen in 1952.

Angel Palacios Zea

68, SPG is wrong.

Julie Allen

Cyndie Clements Stevens, Don't know where you read it but I would check again as I'm pretty sure Charles is still heir to the throne.

james parrillo

I should have subtracted three. Thank you, Christine, James' wife

Denise Currie

Oh Majority Vote, you let me down this time

Albeck1994

Albeck Wilson-Smith, I meant 2019

Albeck1994

Bill Coe, it does not sir, and I answered incorrectly as now we are in 2019

Albeck1994

Pierre Caron, correct i git it wrong as we are now in 2919

Special Patrol Group

James Jones, You are correct in the fact that Prince Charles will still be 68 on the 17th June 2017. He will also be 69 on 14th November 2015. The simple point is that he became heir to the UK throne on the day his Mother became Queen. On that day he was 3 years old. Simple maths 68 - 3 = 65. Now tell me what answer you we're you told at school.