Key Birthdate and Succession Context
Prince Charles, the eldest son of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II, was born on 14 November 1948 at 21:14 (9:14 pm) in Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom. He is the firstborn heir to the British throne under modern succession rules and has served as Prince of Wales since 1958. This verified profile explains the date, location, and constitutional significance of his birth within the line of succession.
Verified Birth Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name at Birth | Charles Philip Arthur George | Official record |
| Date of Birth | 14 November 1948 | Official record |
| Time of Birth | 21:14 (9:14 pm) | Official record |
| Place of Birth | Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom | Official record |
| Parents | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Queen Elizabeth II | Official record |
| Title at Birth | Duke of Cornwall; Duke of Rothesay; born a Prince of the United Kingdom | Succession law and royal protocol |
| Birth Order in Succession | First in line to the throne at birth under the 1937 Regency Act framework | Constitutional practice |
Context Around the Date
The choice of 14 November aligned with family and ceremonial considerations of the late 1940s. As the first child of the reigning monarch after Elizabeth II's accession in 1952, Charles immediately became heir presumptive. His birthdate has remained constant, while associated titles—Duke of Cornwall in England and Duke of Rothesay in Scotland—follow long-standing custom. No revisions to the recorded date have occurred in official registers.
Succession and Title Timeline
From birth, Charles occupied the top position in the line of succession under then-current rules. The roles and styles attached to his birth evolved with the creation of the Prince of Wales title in 1958. These milestones reflect protocol rather than corrections to the biographical core: 14 November 1948 remains the fixed point from which subsequent events are measured.
Notable Early Milestones
- 1948: Birth at Buckingham Palace on 14 November.
- 1952: Becomes heir presumptive upon Elizabeth II's accession.
- 1958: Invested as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester.
- 1969: Formal investiture ceremony at Caernarfon Castle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because public records can raise timing or clarity questions, these points address common concerns with concise, sourced explanations.
- Is the date confirmed by multiple sources? Yes. Official birth registers, palace announcements, and biographies corroborate 14 November 1948.
- Does the time of birth have any legal significance? Not for succession today, but precise timing was recorded for archival and horological practices of the era.
- Are there discrepancies in less-official publications? Some speculative works may offer alternate narratives; authoritative sources remain consistent on 14 November 1948.
- Could calendar differences affect the date? The Gregorian calendar was in universal use in the UK by 1752, so no adjustment is required for 1948.
Comparison With Typical Royal Birth Records
Royal births are documented with exact date, time, and location for protocol and succession. The table below illustrates how Prince Charles's recorded birth aligns with standard royal record-keeping practices.
| Metric | Prince Charles | Common Royal Practice | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date Recorded | 14 November 1948 | Within 24 hours of birth | Official registers and public announcements aligned |
| Time of Day | 21:14 (9:14 pm) | Evening or night for hospital/home births | Standard documentation in royal households |
| Place | Buckingham Palace, London | Primary royal residence for births historically | Ensures immediate access to official records |
| Heir Status at Birth | First in line | Position determined by birth order | Immediate succession significance |
Biographical Perspective and Modern Relevance
Prince Charles's birthdate anchors decades of constitutional expectation and public service. His longevity in the role of heir has shaped discussions around transition, reform, and continuity. Understanding the stability of the verified date—14 November 1948—matters when evaluating long-term planning, generational change, and the predictable yet evolving nature of royal duties.
Terms and Taxonomy
Clear definitions reduce confusion around royal terminology and status.
- Heir presumptive: The first in line to the throne, but whose position can be displaced by the birth of a closer heir.
- Heir apparent: The first in line whose position is secure because they cannot be displaced by a later-born heir.
- Duke of Cornwall: The traditional title held by the eldest son of the sovereign; a major landholding and financial role.
- Prince of Wales: The title granted to the heir apparent, signifying readiness for future kingship.
Closing Reference Notes
Across official biographies, parliamentary records, and palace communications, Prince Charles's birthdate of 14 November 1948 remains a fixed reference point. This clarity supports accurate discussion of his role, timeline of duties, and relationship to the Crown. For researchers, journalists, and the public, this verified foundation underpins reliable understanding of the succession and the long-term profile of the future king.