Prince Charles sits next to the queen’s crown during the state legislative session in May (Image: AP)

The day that Prince Charles became king was not an easy one.

His accession to the throne meant only one thing: the death of his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The crown automatically passed to the 73-year-old on Thursday after the sad news that Her Majesty had died after an astonishing 70-year reign.

Grief-stricken at losing a father, the former Prince of Wales is said to be “more aware of the burdens of the future than the joys of royal power”.

She grew up knowing her destiny when she became an heiress at the age of three.

But in 2013, it was reported that he believed his reign would be a kind of “prison”, a claim Clarence House denied.

His friend Nicholas Soames once said: “The succession to the throne is not an ambition, but a duty which befalls him at an unlucky moment.”


Queen Elizabeth II dies: What happens next?

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was inaugurated by Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.

He died at his home in Balmoral at the age of 96. His son, Prince Charles, and his daughter, Princess Anne, were at his side.

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FILE - In this March 5, 2019, file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, from back left, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall , Prince William and Prince Harry are merging.  Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attended a reception marking the 50th anniversary of the Prince of Wales's investiture at Buckingham Palace in London.  Prince Charles has been preparing for the crown his whole life.  Now the time has finally come.  On Thursday, September 8, 2022, Prince Charles, the oldest person to ascend to the throne of the United Kingdom, became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.  (Dominic Lipinski/Pool via AP, File)

Charles took over many of his mother’s duties after she fell ill (Image: AP)

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In his biography, Jonathan Dimbleby states that Charles told him: ‘

Royale added that there were “great expectations” that were very difficult to accept, but raised him to feel that he had a special obligation to his country.

“Most of the time, the problem is that the person doesn’t feel worthwhile. It’s unavoidable,” he added.

Despite the pressure and intense media coverage, Dimbleby said King never considered quitting.

Meanwhile, journalist Catherine Mayer said he was “voluntarily” adding to the royal family’s workload in preparation for his role as king and that he “wanted to do everything possible” beforehand.

After having a rare contact with Charles, she said:

Charles has previously commented that he believes his role is to make a positive impact on Britain.

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He was quoted as saying:

“Above all, I feel it is my duty to take care of every person and life in this country and try to find ways to make this country better if I can.”

His wife, Camilla, now queen, claimed in a 2018 documentary that he had no problem being king.

“I think his destiny will come,” he said. “He always knew he was coming. I don’t think he weighed heavily on his shoulders.”

Charles now bears full responsibility as monarch, but has been regularly attending engagements in place of his frail mother for the past few months.

On the eve of the state legislative session in May, the Queen asked her eldest son to preside and handed him evidence of the transition, one of her most important constitutional duties.

Over the years, he has become known for his outspoken views on topics such as climate change, modern architecture, and alternative medicine.

However, when he turned 70, Charles insisted that he not be prevented from ascending the throne.

Britain's King Charles III (right) and Britain's Queen Camilla shake hands with a crowd as they arrive at Buckingham Palace in London, the day after Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96, on September 9, 2022. - Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history and an instantly recognizable icon to billions of people around the world, died in hiding in the Scottish Highlands on September 8.  )

Britain’s King Charles III and Camilla greet the crowd as they arrive at Buckingham Palace in London on September 9, 2022 (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

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“No, he will not [continue]”I’m not that stupid,” he told the BBC.

The late monarch’s eldest son also said he had big plans. Royal family Experts say he prefers “minimal” surgery.

He paid tribute to his late mother on Thursday, saying her death was a “moment of great sorrow” for him and his family.

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