Prince Charles realized gradually that he will become king one day. The fact dawned on him when he was much older than Prince William.

During his first-ever radio interview, the host asked the dad of two when he became aware of his future status. Prince Charles will take over the throne from Queen Elizabeth II when the latter dies or abdicates.

“I didn’t just wake up in my pram one day and say ‘yippee!’” he said. “I think it just dawns on you slowly, that people are interested, and slowly you get the idea that you have a certain duty and responsibility,” he added.

But Prince Charles’ eldest son, Prince William, learned his fate very early on. Even though Princess Diana tried to shield the Duke of Cambridge from the truth, Prince William was told that he will one day rule the monarchy when he went to school.

In the 2011 book “William And Catherine,” royal author Andrew Morton said that one of Prince William’s classmates asked him if he knew who the Queen was. Prince William asked if his classmate was talking about his grandmother.

And during another occasion, Prince Harry joined in teasing Prince William about his future. When the now dad of three said that he wanted to become a policeman so that he could take care of Princess Diana, Prince Harry said that he couldn’t because his job is to be the future king.

Meanwhile, it’s still unclear when Prince Charles would take over the throne from Her Majesty. And when he does become king, it’s still unclear what official name he would use.

Royal biographer Penny Junor said that Prince Charles may simply be known as King Charles III. But when palace sources were asked, they said that they couldn’t comment on the matter at the moment. When Prince Charles becomes king, his wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, will become queen or queen consort.

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