The coronation of Britain's King Charles III was witnessed by hundreds of high-profile guests inside Westminster Abbey in May 2023.

Charles had been "monarch-in-waiting" for more than 70 years. He became King when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September at the age of 96. Charles' wait was the longest in British history.

In February 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that the King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will step back from public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment.

Take a look at photos from his life in the spotlight.

Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948. His mother was Princess Elizabeth at the time.
Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 1948. His mother was Princess Elizabeth at the time.
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Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, sit on a lawn with their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne in August 1951.
Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, sit on a lawn with their children Prince Charles and Princess Anne in August 1951.
Eddie Worth/AP
Charles attends his mother's coronation in 1953 with his grandmother, left, and his aunt Margaret.
Charles attends his mother's coronation in 1953 with his grandmother, left, and his aunt Margaret.
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Charles, right, shakes hands with Sir Gerald Creasy, the governor of Malta, as he and the rest of the royal family visit Malta in May 1954.
Charles, right, shakes hands with Sir Gerald Creasy, the governor of Malta, as he and the rest of the royal family visit Malta in May 1954.
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Charles rides with his mother and grandmother as they travel to Westminster Abbey for the wedding of Princess Margaret in May 1960.
Charles rides with his mother and grandmother as they travel to Westminster Abbey for the wedding of Princess Margaret in May 1960.
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Charles prepares for takeoff during a flying lesson in 1968. In 1971, he earned his wings as a jet pilot and joined the Royal Navy.
Charles prepares for takeoff during a flying lesson in 1968. In 1971, he earned his wings as a jet pilot and joined the Royal Navy.
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Queen Elizabeth II presents Charles to the people of Wales after his investiture as the Prince of Wales in July 1969.
Queen Elizabeth II presents Charles to the people of Wales after his investiture as the Prince of Wales in July 1969.
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Charles walks at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1970. He was the first royal heir to earn a university degree.
Charles walks at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1970. He was the first royal heir to earn a university degree.
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Charles, left, rides go-carts with his brother Prince Edward and his sister, Princess Anne, circa 1969.
Charles, left, rides go-carts with his brother Prince Edward and his sister, Princess Anne, circa 1969.
Keystone-France\Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Charles meets US President Richard Nixon during a private visit to Washington in July 1970.
Charles meets US President Richard Nixon during a private visit to Washington in July 1970.
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Charles attends a conference with his father in November 1970.
Charles attends a conference with his father in November 1970.
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Charles goes on a safari in Kenya in February 1971.
Charles goes on a safari in Kenya in February 1971.
William Lovelace/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Charles prepares to fire a bazooka while visiting military barracks in West Berlin in October 1972.
Charles prepares to fire a bazooka while visiting military barracks in West Berlin in October 1972.
Popperfoto/Getty Images
Charles fishes with a wooden spear circa 1975.
Charles fishes with a wooden spear circa 1975.
Serge Lemoine/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images
Charles poses for sculptor David McFall in December 1975.
Charles poses for sculptor David McFall in December 1975.
Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Charles smokes a peace pipe during a visit to Canada in July 1977.
Charles smokes a peace pipe during a visit to Canada in July 1977.
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images
Charles rides a horse during an equestrian event in Cirencester, England, in April 1978.
Charles rides a horse during an equestrian event in Cirencester, England, in April 1978.
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Charles, as colonel-in-chief, visits the Cheshire Regiment in Canterbury, England, in November 1978. He served in the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976, and in 2012 his mother appointed him honorary five-star ranks in the navy, army and air force.
Charles, as colonel-in-chief, visits the Cheshire Regiment in Canterbury, England, in November 1978. He served in the Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976, and in 2012 his mother appointed him honorary five-star ranks in the navy, army and air force.
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are seen together circa 1979. They dated in the 70s and would eventually marry in 2005. It was the second marriage for both. Their first marriages ended in divorce.
Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are seen together circa 1979. They dated in the 70s and would eventually marry in 2005. It was the second marriage for both. Their first marriages ended in divorce.
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Charles poses outside the Taj Mahal in India in 1980.
Charles poses outside the Taj Mahal in India in 1980.
Anwar Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
Charles kisses his first wife, Lady Diana Spencer, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 1981. Their wedding ceremony was televised.
Charles kisses his first wife, Lady Diana Spencer, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 1981. Their wedding ceremony was televised.
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Charles and Princess Diana leave a London hospital with their first child, William, in July 1982.
Charles and Princess Diana leave a London hospital with their first child, William, in July 1982.
Anwar Hussein/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Charles and Diana dance together at a formal event.
Charles and Diana dance together at a formal event.
Tim Graham/Corbis Historical/Getty Images
Charles shares a playful pie in the face while visiting a community center in Manchester, England, in December 1983.
Charles shares a playful pie in the face while visiting a community center in Manchester, England, in December 1983.
David Levenson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Charles walks with people in traditional dress on a visit to Papua New Guinea in 1984.
Charles walks with people in traditional dress on a visit to Papua New Guinea in 1984.
Anwar Hussein/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Charles and Diana sit together in Toronto during a royal tour in October 1991. A year later, they were separated. Charles' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles became public in 1993.
Charles and Diana sit together in Toronto during a royal tour in October 1991. A year later, they were separated. Charles' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles became public in 1993.
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Charles, Diana and their two sons, William and Harry, gather for V-J Day commemorations in London in August 1995. The couple divorced one year later.
Charles, Diana and their two sons, William and Harry, gather for V-J Day commemorations in London in August 1995. The couple divorced one year later.
Johnny Eggitt/AFP/Getty Images
Charles visits a mosque in London in March 1996.
Charles visits a mosque in London in March 1996.
Tim Graham/Getty Images
South African President Nelson Mandela talks with Prince Charles in London in July 1996.
South African President Nelson Mandela talks with Prince Charles in London in July 1996.
David Thomson/AFP/Getty Images
Charles poses with the Spice Girls in 1997.
Charles poses with the Spice Girls in 1997.
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Charles and his sons spend time together at the Balmoral Castle estate in Balmoral, Scotland, in August 1997.
Charles and his sons spend time together at the Balmoral Castle estate in Balmoral, Scotland, in August 1997.
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Charles, second from right, and Princess Diana's two sisters meet in Paris after Diana was killed in a car crash there in August 1997. She was 36 years old.
Charles, second from right, and Princess Diana's two sisters meet in Paris after Diana was killed in a car crash there in August 1997. She was 36 years old.
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Charles and his sons follow Diana's hearse in London in September 1997.
Charles and his sons follow Diana's hearse in London in September 1997.
Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images
Charles stands beside his grandmother's coffin while it lies in state at Westminster Hall in London in April 2002.
Charles stands beside his grandmother's coffin while it lies in state at Westminster Hall in London in April 2002.
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images
Charles carries a specially painted football through the streets of Ashbourne, England, in March 2003.
Charles carries a specially painted football through the streets of Ashbourne, England, in March 2003.
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Charles watches a parachute regiment during a D-Day re-enactment in Ranville, France, in June 2004.
Charles watches a parachute regiment during a D-Day re-enactment in Ranville, France, in June 2004.
Chris Ison/AFP/Getty Images
Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in April 2005.
Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in April 2005.
Hugo Burnand/Pool/Getty Images
Charles, the Prince of Wales, poses for an official portrait in November 2008. He became King after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Charles, the Prince of Wales, poses for an official portrait in November 2008. He became King after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Hugo Burnand/Anwar Hussein Collection/WireImage/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II presents Charles with the Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria Medal of Honor during a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show in London in May 2009.
Queen Elizabeth II presents Charles with the Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria Medal of Honor during a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show in London in May 2009.
WPA Pool/Getty Images
Charles and Camilla were on their way to a performance at the London Palladium when their car was attacked by angry student protesters in December 2010. The students were protesting a hike in tuition fees.
Charles and Camilla were on their way to a performance at the London Palladium when their car was attacked by angry student protesters in December 2010. The students were protesting a hike in tuition fees.
Matt Dunham/AP
Charles and Queen Elizabeth II were among those on the Buckingham Palace balcony after Prince William wed Kate Middleton in April 2011.
Charles and Queen Elizabeth II were among those on the Buckingham Palace balcony after Prince William wed Kate Middleton in April 2011.
James Devaney/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Charles reads the weather while touring BBC Scotland's headquarters in May 2012.
Charles reads the weather while touring BBC Scotland's headquarters in May 2012.
Andrew Milligan/AP
Charles meets with US President Barack Obama in the White House Oval Office in March 2015.
Charles meets with US President Barack Obama in the White House Oval Office in March 2015.
Chris Radburn-Pool/Getty Images
Charles and Camilla react as Zephyr, the bald-eagle mascot of the Army Air Corps, flaps his wings at the Sandringham Flower Show in July 2015.
Charles and Camilla react as Zephyr, the bald-eagle mascot of the Army Air Corps, flaps his wings at the Sandringham Flower Show in July 2015.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Members of the royal family pose for a photo at Buckingham Palace in December 2016. From left are Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Charles; Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Philip; Prince William; and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Members of the royal family pose for a photo at Buckingham Palace in December 2016. From left are Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Charles; Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Philip; Prince William; and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Dominic Lipinski/WPA Pool/Getty Images
Charles visits the Italian town of Amatrice in April 2017, after an earthquake had hit.
Charles visits the Italian town of Amatrice in April 2017, after an earthquake had hit.
Alessandro Bianchi/AFP/Getty Images
Charles and Camilla ride on a raft while visiting the island of Borneo in November 2017.
Charles and Camilla ride on a raft while visiting the island of Borneo in November 2017.
Mohd Rasfana/AFP/Getty Images
Charles leads three cheers for his mother as the Queen celebrated her 92nd birthday at a London concert in April 2018.
Charles leads three cheers for his mother as the Queen celebrated her 92nd birthday at a London concert in April 2018.
Andrew Parsons/AFP/Getty Images
From left, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Duchess Camilla and Queen Elizabeth II watch a Royal Air Force flyover in July 2018.
From left, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Duchess Camilla and Queen Elizabeth II watch a Royal Air Force flyover in July 2018.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Charles accompanies his future daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, as she is married to Prince Harry in May 2018.
Charles accompanies his future daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, as she is married to Prince Harry in May 2018.
Jonathan Brady/AP
Charles lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in London to commemorate Remembrance Day in November 2018. It was also the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
Charles lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in London to commemorate Remembrance Day in November 2018. It was also the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
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Charles poses with family members for an official portrait to mark his 70th birthday. He's holding his grandson Prince George as Camilla sits next to his granddaughter, Princess Charlotte. In the back row, from left, are his grandson Prince Louis; his daughter-in-law Catherine; his son Prince William; his son Prince Harry; and his daughter-in-law Meghan.
Charles poses with family members for an official portrait to mark his 70th birthday. He's holding his grandson Prince George as Camilla sits next to his granddaughter, Princess Charlotte. In the back row, from left, are his grandson Prince Louis; his daughter-in-law Catherine; his son Prince William; his son Prince Harry; and his daughter-in-law Meghan.
Chris Jackson/PoolAP
Charles speaks at an event in London in March 2020. Later that month, it was announced that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Charles speaks at an event in London in March 2020. Later that month, it was announced that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
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Charles and Camilla attend the funeral of Charles' father, Prince Philip, in April 2021.
Charles and Camilla attend the funeral of Charles' father, Prince Philip, in April 2021.
Dominic Lipinski/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Camilla looks on as Charles reacts to a bad pour of beer he made at a brewery in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in May 2022. They were on a three-day Canadian tour.
Camilla looks on as Charles reacts to a bad pour of beer he made at a brewery in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in May 2022. They were on a three-day Canadian tour.
Paul Chiasson/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Charles sits by the Imperial State Crown at the opening of Parliament in May 2022. His mother, the Queen, missed the occasion for the first time since 1963. The 96-year-old monarch had to withdraw due to a recurrence of mobility issues.
Charles sits by the Imperial State Crown at the opening of Parliament in May 2022. His mother, the Queen, missed the occasion for the first time since 1963. The 96-year-old monarch had to withdraw due to a recurrence of mobility issues.
Ben Stansall/Pool/AP
Charles is shown skulls of victims during a visit to the Nyamata Church Genocide Memorial in Nyamata, Rwanda, in June 2022. In 1994, Hutu extremists targeted minority ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus in a three-month killing spree that left an estimated 800,000 people dead, though local estimates are higher.
Charles is shown skulls of victims during a visit to the Nyamata Church Genocide Memorial in Nyamata, Rwanda, in June 2022. In 1994, Hutu extremists targeted minority ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus in a three-month killing spree that left an estimated 800,000 people dead, though local estimates are higher.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Louis, the Queen's great-grandson, holds his hands over his ears as jets roar over Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade in London on in June 2022. From left are Prince Charles; the Queen; Prince Louis; Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge; and Princess Charlotte.
Prince Louis, the Queen's great-grandson, holds his hands over his ears as jets roar over Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade in London on in June 2022. From left are Prince Charles; the Queen; Prince Louis; Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge; and Princess Charlotte.
Hannah McKay/Reuters
Charles has his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss after becoming King in September 2022.
Charles has his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss after becoming King in September 2022.
Yui Mok/Pool/AP
The King speaks in the Throne Room at St James's Palace during the Accession Council in London in September 2022. He was formally proclaimed as King. Joining him were his son Prince William and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort.
The King speaks in the Throne Room at St James's Palace during the Accession Council in London in September 2022. He was formally proclaimed as King. Joining him were his son Prince William and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort.
Jonathan Brady/Pool/AP
Charles delivers <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2022%2F09%2F09%2Fuk%2Fking-charles-iii-first-national-address-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">his first address as King</a> from Buckingham Palace. "As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," he said.
Charles delivers his first address as King from Buckingham Palace. "As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," he said.
Yui Mok/Pool/AP
Charles records his first Christmas speech in December 2022. The speech would be broadcast on Christmas Day throughout the United Kingdom.
Charles records his first Christmas speech in December 2022. The speech would be broadcast on Christmas Day throughout the United Kingdom.
Victoria Jones/Pool/AP
The King meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was visiting Buckingham Palace in February 2023. Zelensky <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2023%2F02%2F08%2Feurope%2Fzelensky-visit-uk-intl-gbr%2Findex.html" target="_blank">made a surprise visit to the UK</a> and gave a speech to the joint houses of Parliament.
The King meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was visiting Buckingham Palace in February 2023. Zelensky made a surprise visit to the UK and gave a speech to the joint houses of Parliament.
Aaron Chown/Pool/Reuters
The King greets the band Lords of The Lost during a reception in Hamburg, Germany, in March 2023. The King spent three days in Germany for what was <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2023%2F03%2F29%2Feurope%2Fgallery%2Fking-charles-visits-germany%2Findex.html" target="_blank">his first overseas state visit as monarch</a>.
The King greets the band Lords of The Lost during a reception in Hamburg, Germany, in March 2023. The King spent three days in Germany for what was his first overseas state visit as monarch.
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The King sits in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room in March 2023.
The King sits in Buckingham Palace's Blue Drawing Room in March 2023.
Handout/Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace/Getty Images
The King attends the 200th Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023.
The King attends the 200th Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023.
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Charles receives the St. Edward's Crown during his <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2023%2F05%2F06%2Fuk%2Fgallery%2Fcoronation-king-charles%2Findex.html" target="_blank">coronation ceremony </a>at Westminster Abbey in May 2023.
Charles receives the St. Edward's Crown during his coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in May 2023.
Andrew Matthews/Pool/AP
Charles and Camilla travel to Buckingham Palace after the coronation ceremony.
Charles and Camilla travel to Buckingham Palace after the coronation ceremony.
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The King and Queen stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation. They are joined here by pages of honor who attended them throughout the day. One of the pages was the King's eldest grandson, Prince George, who can be seen second from left.
The King and Queen stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation. They are joined here by pages of honor who attended them throughout the day. One of the pages was the King's eldest grandson, Prince George, who can be seen second from left.
Toby Hancock/CNN
Charles and Camilla are pictured with members of the working royal family in May 2023.
Charles and Camilla are pictured with members of the working royal family in May 2023.
Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/AP
Charles is presented with the Crown of Scotland during a service of thanksgiving that was held at the St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July 2023. Scotland was celebrating the King's recent coronation with a <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2023%2F07%2F05%2Feurope%2Fscotland-marks-coronation-charles-royals-gbr-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">day of festivities</a>.
Charles is presented with the Crown of Scotland during a service of thanksgiving that was held at the St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July 2023. Scotland was celebrating the King's recent coronation with a day of festivities.
Jane Barlow/Reuters
The King shares a toast with French President Emmanuel Macron during a state dinner at the Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France, in September 2023. It was the first day of <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2023%2F09%2F20%2Feurope%2Fking-charles-france-state-visit-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Charles' state visit to France</a>.
The King shares a toast with French President Emmanuel Macron during a state dinner at the Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France, in September 2023. It was the first day of Charles' state visit to France.
Benoit Tessier/Reuters
The King waves as he leaves the London Clinic with Queen Camilla in January 2024. The King <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2024%2F01%2F26%2Fuk%2Fking-charles-iii-hospital-prostate-procedure-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate</a>, CNN understands. In early February, Buckingham Palace announced that the King <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2024%2F02%2F05%2Feurope%2Fuk-royal-announcement-gbr-intl%2Findex.html" target="_blank">has been diagnosed with a form of cancer</a>.
The King waves as he leaves the London Clinic with Queen Camilla in January 2024. The King underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate, CNN understands. In early February, Buckingham Palace announced that the King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
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