Explore 20 lesser-seen photos of young King Charles III that showcase his early life and personal style.

King Charles III turns 76 today, November 14. The royal <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/14/uk/king-charles-birthday-intl-scli/index.html">celebrated his birthday</a> with philanthropy, opening food distribution centers under his Coronation Food Project effort.
His teens may be well behind him, but young Prince Charles had a flair for both personal style and sports. in The English royal was given the title of Prince of Wales at nine years old, and he became the longest-serving at that post in British history. In his early life, Charles attended school at Cheam School and Gordonstoun, where he was known for his <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/prince-charles-camilla-parker-bowels-royals-scandal-diana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">love</a> of sports, especially polo, which he had played since he was a young man. He went on to Trinity College in Cambridge to earn a bachelor's degree in 1971, the first royal heir to the crown to do so. Later in life, he attended the Royal Air Force College and the Britannia Royal Naval College (also know as Dartmouth). From 1971 to 1976, he was on a service period with the Royal Navy.&nbsp;
Whether he was in uniform or in black-tie, these rarely-seen photos of the young Prince Charles offer a charming look at his youthful years. These young photos prove the royal has always stuck to classic sartorial codes, ones that champion traditional garments with fine craftsmanship. This is evident in his tailored suits over the decades, as well as his more leisurely looks. Here are our 20 favorite photos of King Charles when he was young.

Prince Charles in Lagos during a Royal Tour of Nigeria, 1990. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles at an art exhibition, 1990. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles in Bamenda, Cameroon during the Royal Tour of Cameroon, 1990. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry at Sandringham Estate, in Norfolk, 1990. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles attending Easter Service in Windsor, 1991. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles In Royal Navy Uniform Attends Waitangi Day Commemorative Ceremony At The Treaty House At Waitangi National Reserve, 1994. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles painting with watercolours in Klosters, Switzerland, 1994. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles in Sydney, Australia, 1994. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles at Waitangi Day Maori Celebrations in Waitangi, New Zealand, 1994. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles in Auckland, New Zealand, 1994. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles at The Prince's Youth Business Trust Trade Fair at The Birmingham N.e.c, 1994. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attends a graduation ceremony at The Royal Agricultural College, 1995. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit to Painshill Park, 1995. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles of United Kingdom at Balaklava Battlefield viewpoint in Crimea, Ukraine, 1996. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles at Polvier, Balmoral Castle Estate, 1997. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles and Prince Harry during the World Cup game between England and Colombia at the Stade Felix Bollaert in Lens, France, 1998. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles at the Aston Martin Clay Pigeon Shoot In Aid Of The Prince's Trust, The Royal Berkshire Shooting School, Pangbourne, 1999. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in Builth Wells, Wales, 1999. Photography: Getty

The Prince of Wales at Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts Clattinger Farm, 1999. Photography: Getty

King Charles III at Buckingham Palace following the coronation in London, England, 2023. Photography: Getty

Prince Charles Painting With Watercolours In Klosters, Switzerland, 1994. Photography: Getty

20 Rare Photos of Young King Charles III: A Look at His Earlier Life

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20 Rare Photos of Young King Charles III: A Look at His Earlier Life

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