11 Facts About King Charles Few People Know

King Charles III, a monarch with a lifetime in the public eye, brings an array of unexpected interests and accomplishments that many may not be aware of. Here's an exploration of some intriguing aspects of his life.

1. A Monarch's Early Prominence

Born into royalty, Charles was designated the title of Prince of Wales at the tender age of nine, setting him on a path of prolonged anticipation for the throne, a position he would not inherit until more than six decades later.

2. A Royal With a Scholarly Touch

Charles is not only royal by birth but also distinguished in academia. He holds the notable distinction of being the first heir to earn a university degree, having studied at the University of Cambridge.

3. The Artistic Side of Royalty

Far from the stoic image often associated with royalty, King Charles has a creative streak. His musical talents span across playing the cello, piano, and trumpet. His artistic endeavors do not end with music; he is also a skilled painter, particularly drawn to natural landscapes, often inspired by the serene surroundings of Queen Elizabeth's Balmoral estate.

4. Queen Mother's Influence

Prince Charles shared a close bond with his maternal grandmother, the Queen Mother, who played a significant role in nurturing his artistic and compassionate nature. From a young age, he was captivated by colors, often playing with her lipstick tubes at just two years old. She also instilled in him the values of kindness and inclusivity, teaching him to share treats with his peers and to choose the least advantaged children first during team games.

5. Early Personal Trials

As a child, Charles faced bullying at school, with his peers targeting his appearance. This issue was taken so seriously that his great-uncle suggested surgical intervention, although this never took place.

6. A Royal Mix-Up

Even future kings have their youthful indiscretions. At just 14 years old, Charles found himself in a bit of a scandal when he ordered a cherry brandy at a pub, resulting in the loss of his bodyguard's job after the incident was reported by a journalist present at the scene.

7. Championing Causes

Beyond his academic and artistic talents, Charles is a well-known advocate for the environment. He founded an organic food brand, reflecting his commitment to sustainability and ecological conservation. His passion for environmental issues is matched by his support for hundreds of worthy causes, having been a patron or president of over 400 organizations.

8. Literary Contributions

Charles is also a published author, having written a children's book titled "The Old Man of Lochnagar," which was later adapted into various forms, with proceeds benefitting The Prince's Trust.

9. Interfaith Dialogue Promoter

With an open-minded approach to religion, Charles has studied the Koran and Judaism in depth, attended Catholic Masses, and visited various religious communities. He aims to be known as the "Defender of Faith" rather than "Defender of the Faith," signaling his intent to promote interfaith dialogue.

10. A Sense of Humor

Despite his regal bearing, Charles has shown that he can laugh at himself, particularly about the many criticisms he's received about his distinctive ears.

11. Theatrical Royal

King Charles hasn't shied away from the stage. His appreciation for Shakespeare led to performances in his school days, plus he's supported the arts, notably in a live performance for BBC's Shakespeare Live.

These snippets of King Charles's life reveal a man who has intertwined his royal duties with personal passions, from the arts to environmentalism, showcasing a multifaceted persona behind the crown.

References: 55 Things You Need to Know About King Charles III | 12 Things You Didn't Know About King Charles III | King Charles's Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Timeline