The King’s life – from newborn baby prince in his mother’s arms to a crowned monarch sitting on his throne – has been celebrated with a collection of photos from every one of his 75 years.
Charles, who reaches his milestone three-quarter century birthday on Tuesday, is pictured being held in the air as an eight-month old by his proud father the Duke of Edinburgh in 1949.
His 75th birthday comes 14 months after his accession, and will be celebrated with public gun salutes and a private dinner in London.
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Other more unusual shots capture Charles in scuba gear diving under the Arctic ice at Resolute Bay, Canada in 1975 during a half-hour mission in freezing conditions.
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In 1976, he sports a new look, appearing with a full beard while riding a horse as he attends the Badminton Horse Trials.
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In the 1980s, he married Lady Diana Spencer, and the pair are pictured together on a royal tour to Canada.
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In 1988, he put any inhibitions aside and took to the dancefloor to have a go at breakdancing in front of a crowd of young people in Middleton-on-Sea in West Sussex during a Youth Meets Industry course for 300 unemployed people, organised by his Prince’s Trust, now renamed the King’s Trust.