Image ID G6D6EF Prince Charles in cockpit of Chipmunk aircraft before flying from RAF Oakington with instructor 20051969 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
The King – then known as Prince Charles – in the cockpit of a Chipmunk aircraft before flying from RAF Oakington in 1969 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles, on the day he received his wings at RAF College Cranwell, with Prince Philip, both in uniform, in August 1971 (Picture: Keystone Pictures USA, ZUMAPRESS, Keystone Press, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles, on the day he received his wings at RAF College Cranwell, with Prince Philip, both in uniform, in August 1971 (Picture: Keystone Pictures USA, ZUMAPRESS, Keystone Press, Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID G54W3N Queen Elizabeth II visiting HMS Norfolk being shown around by King Charles III, the ship he was serving on board 300672 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
King Charles III – then Prince Charles – shows his mother Queen Elizabeth II around HMS Norfolk, the ship he was serving on in 1972 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID B4WKPH Queen Elizabeth II being shown around HMS Norfolk by Prince Charles 030772 CREDIT Trinity Mirror, Mirrorpix, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg_.jpg
Queen Elizabeth II being shown around HMS Norfolk by then Prince Charles (Picture: Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix/Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID G47H8B Prince Charles in cockpit of Wessex helicopter at RNAS Yeovilton 12121974 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
The then Prince in the cockpit of a Wessex helicopter at RNAS Yeovilton in 1974 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID G6F9H3 Then Prince Charles preparing to fly in public for the first time at International Air Day at RNAS Culdrose 230775 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
The then Prince Charles preparing to fly in public for the first time at International Air Day at RNAS Culdrose in 1975 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles on HMS Bronington with a 16-year-old Prince Andrew 011176 CREDIT PA ALAMY.jpg
Prince Charles on HMS Bronington with a 16-year-old Prince Andrew in November 1976 (Picture: PA Alamy)
Image ID B445T7 Prince Charles leaving the Royal Navy saluting his shipmates December 1976 EXP 041123 CREDIT Alamy .jpg
Prince Charles salutes his shipmates as he leaves the Royal Navy (Picture: Alamy)
Colonel-in-Chief Prince Charles drives a tank during a visit to 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, in Tidworth in June 1985 (David Cooper, Alamy Stock Photo).
Colonel-in-Chief Prince Charles drives a tank during a visit to 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, in Tidworth, in June 1985 (David Cooper, Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles meets Chelsea Pensioners during Founders Day at the Royal Hospital in June 1999 (PICTURE: MOD).
Prince Charles meets Chelsea Pensioners during Founders Day at the Royal Hospital in June 1999 (Picture: MOD)
Prince Charles meeting members of 16 Air Assualt Brigade, Parachute Regiment, before their deployment to the Gulf CREDIT MOD 290103.jpeg
Prince Charles meeting members of 16 Air Assualt Brigade, Parachute Regiment, before their deployment to the Gulf in January 2003 (Picture: MOD)
Prince Charles on a surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan, the most senior and only royal member to visit Kabul in living memory (Picture: MOD).
Prince Charles on a surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan, the most senior and only royal member to visit Kabul in living memory (Picture: MOD)
Prince Charles gives out Afghanistan campaign medals to Navy personnel in July 2010 (Picture: PA/ Alamy).
Prince Charles gives out Afghanistan campaign medals to Navy personnel in July 2010 (Picture: PA/ Alamy)
Prince Charles in uniform salutes during HMS Prince of Wales commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth naval base in December 2019 (Picture: Alamy).
Prince Charles in uniform salutes during HMS Prince of Wales commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth naval base in December 2019 (Picture: Alamy)
Prince Charles addresses members of the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor in May 2021 (Picture: Reuters, Peter Cziborra, Pool, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles addresses members of the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor in May 2021 (Picture: Reuters, Peter Cziborra, Pool, Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles saluting newly commissioned Royal Navy Officers passing out at Britannia Royal Naval College 161221 CREDIT BFBS.jpg
Prince Charles saluting newly commissioned Royal Navy Officers passing out at Britannia Royal Naval College in December 2021
Prince Charles addresses personnel from Parachute Regiment at Merville Barracks, Colchester, where he presented the regiment with its new colours in July 2021.
Prince Charles addresses personnel from Parachute Regiment at Merville Barracks, Colchester, where he presented the regiment with its new colours in July 2021
King Charles was the Reviewing Officer for the RAF College’s Combined Parade at Cranwell 29042022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright
Charles was the Reviewing Officer for the RAF College's Combined Parade at Cranwell in April 2022 (MOD)
Prince Charles on board HMS Queen Elizabeth meets Falklands War veterans on July 2022.
Prince Charles on board HMS Queen Elizabeth meets Falklands War veterans on July 2022
King Charles joining Armed Forces personnel who led nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph 13112022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copy
King Charles joining Armed Forces personnel who led nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph in 2022 (Picture: MOD)
King Charles visiting Ukrainian troops training in Wiltshire 220223 CREDIT MOD
King Charles visiting Ukrainian troops training in Wiltshire in February 2023 (Picture: MOD)
Charles attends first Sovereign's Parade as King at Sandhurst 140323 CREDIT BFBS
King Charles attends his first Sovereign's Parade as King at Sandhurst in March 2023
King Charles inspects the officer cadets on parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023 (Picture: MOD).
King Charles inspects the officer cadets on parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023 (Picture: MOD)
King Charles presents the Armed Forces with new Colours and Standards 270423 CREDIT MOD.jpg
King Charles presents the Armed Forces with new Colours and Standards in April 2023 (Picture: MOD)
Image ID G6D6EF Prince Charles in cockpit of Chipmunk aircraft before flying from RAF Oakington with instructor 20051969 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
Prince Charles, on the day he received his wings at RAF College Cranwell, with Prince Philip, both in uniform, in August 1971 (Picture: Keystone Pictures USA, ZUMAPRESS, Keystone Press, Alamy Stock Photo).
IMAGE ID G54W3N Queen Elizabeth II visiting HMS Norfolk being shown around by King Charles III, the ship he was serving on board 300672 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
IMAGE ID B4WKPH Queen Elizabeth II being shown around HMS Norfolk by Prince Charles 030772 CREDIT Trinity Mirror, Mirrorpix, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg_.jpg
IMAGE ID G47H8B Prince Charles in cockpit of Wessex helicopter at RNAS Yeovilton 12121974 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
IMAGE ID G6F9H3 Then Prince Charles preparing to fly in public for the first time at International Air Day at RNAS Culdrose 230775 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
Prince Charles on HMS Bronington with a 16-year-old Prince Andrew 011176 CREDIT PA ALAMY.jpg
Image ID B445T7 Prince Charles leaving the Royal Navy saluting his shipmates December 1976 EXP 041123 CREDIT Alamy .jpg
Colonel-in-Chief Prince Charles drives a tank during a visit to 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, in Tidworth in June 1985 (David Cooper, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles meets Chelsea Pensioners during Founders Day at the Royal Hospital in June 1999 (PICTURE: MOD).
Prince Charles meeting members of 16 Air Assualt Brigade, Parachute Regiment, before their deployment to the Gulf CREDIT MOD 290103.jpeg
Prince Charles on a surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan, the most senior and only royal member to visit Kabul in living memory (Picture: MOD).
Prince Charles gives out Afghanistan campaign medals to Navy personnel in July 2010 (Picture: PA/ Alamy).
Prince Charles in uniform salutes during HMS Prince of Wales commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth naval base in December 2019 (Picture: Alamy).
Prince Charles addresses members of the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor in May 2021 (Picture: Reuters, Peter Cziborra, Pool, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles saluting newly commissioned Royal Navy Officers passing out at Britannia Royal Naval College 161221 CREDIT BFBS.jpg
Prince Charles addresses personnel from Parachute Regiment at Merville Barracks, Colchester, where he presented the regiment with its new colours in July 2021.
King Charles was the Reviewing Officer for the RAF College’s Combined Parade at Cranwell 29042022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright
Prince Charles on board HMS Queen Elizabeth meets Falklands War veterans on July 2022.
King Charles joining Armed Forces personnel who led nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph 13112022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copy
King Charles visiting Ukrainian troops training in Wiltshire 220223 CREDIT MOD
Charles attends first Sovereign's Parade as King at Sandhurst 140323 CREDIT BFBS
King Charles inspects the officer cadets on parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023 (Picture: MOD).
King Charles presents the Armed Forces with new Colours and Standards 270423 CREDIT MOD.jpg
King Charles

In pictures: King Charles's military career

Image ID G6D6EF Prince Charles in cockpit of Chipmunk aircraft before flying from RAF Oakington with instructor 20051969 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
The King – then known as Prince Charles – in the cockpit of a Chipmunk aircraft before flying from RAF Oakington in 1969 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles, on the day he received his wings at RAF College Cranwell, with Prince Philip, both in uniform, in August 1971 (Picture: Keystone Pictures USA, ZUMAPRESS, Keystone Press, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles, on the day he received his wings at RAF College Cranwell, with Prince Philip, both in uniform, in August 1971 (Picture: Keystone Pictures USA, ZUMAPRESS, Keystone Press, Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID G54W3N Queen Elizabeth II visiting HMS Norfolk being shown around by King Charles III, the ship he was serving on board 300672 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
King Charles III – then Prince Charles – shows his mother Queen Elizabeth II around HMS Norfolk, the ship he was serving on in 1972 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID B4WKPH Queen Elizabeth II being shown around HMS Norfolk by Prince Charles 030772 CREDIT Trinity Mirror, Mirrorpix, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg_.jpg
Queen Elizabeth II being shown around HMS Norfolk by then Prince Charles (Picture: Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix/Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID G47H8B Prince Charles in cockpit of Wessex helicopter at RNAS Yeovilton 12121974 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
The then Prince in the cockpit of a Wessex helicopter at RNAS Yeovilton in 1974 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
IMAGE ID G6F9H3 Then Prince Charles preparing to fly in public for the first time at International Air Day at RNAS Culdrose 230775 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
The then Prince Charles preparing to fly in public for the first time at International Air Day at RNAS Culdrose in 1975 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles on HMS Bronington with a 16-year-old Prince Andrew 011176 CREDIT PA ALAMY.jpg
Prince Charles on HMS Bronington with a 16-year-old Prince Andrew in November 1976 (Picture: PA Alamy)
Image ID B445T7 Prince Charles leaving the Royal Navy saluting his shipmates December 1976 EXP 041123 CREDIT Alamy .jpg
Prince Charles salutes his shipmates as he leaves the Royal Navy (Picture: Alamy)
Colonel-in-Chief Prince Charles drives a tank during a visit to 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, in Tidworth in June 1985 (David Cooper, Alamy Stock Photo).
Colonel-in-Chief Prince Charles drives a tank during a visit to 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, in Tidworth, in June 1985 (David Cooper, Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles meets Chelsea Pensioners during Founders Day at the Royal Hospital in June 1999 (PICTURE: MOD).
Prince Charles meets Chelsea Pensioners during Founders Day at the Royal Hospital in June 1999 (Picture: MOD)
Prince Charles meeting members of 16 Air Assualt Brigade, Parachute Regiment, before their deployment to the Gulf CREDIT MOD 290103.jpeg
Prince Charles meeting members of 16 Air Assualt Brigade, Parachute Regiment, before their deployment to the Gulf in January 2003 (Picture: MOD)
Prince Charles on a surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan, the most senior and only royal member to visit Kabul in living memory (Picture: MOD).
Prince Charles on a surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan, the most senior and only royal member to visit Kabul in living memory (Picture: MOD)
Prince Charles gives out Afghanistan campaign medals to Navy personnel in July 2010 (Picture: PA/ Alamy).
Prince Charles gives out Afghanistan campaign medals to Navy personnel in July 2010 (Picture: PA/ Alamy)
Prince Charles in uniform salutes during HMS Prince of Wales commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth naval base in December 2019 (Picture: Alamy).
Prince Charles in uniform salutes during HMS Prince of Wales commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth naval base in December 2019 (Picture: Alamy)
Prince Charles addresses members of the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor in May 2021 (Picture: Reuters, Peter Cziborra, Pool, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles addresses members of the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor in May 2021 (Picture: Reuters, Peter Cziborra, Pool, Alamy Stock Photo)
Prince Charles saluting newly commissioned Royal Navy Officers passing out at Britannia Royal Naval College 161221 CREDIT BFBS.jpg
Prince Charles saluting newly commissioned Royal Navy Officers passing out at Britannia Royal Naval College in December 2021
Prince Charles addresses personnel from Parachute Regiment at Merville Barracks, Colchester, where he presented the regiment with its new colours in July 2021.
Prince Charles addresses personnel from Parachute Regiment at Merville Barracks, Colchester, where he presented the regiment with its new colours in July 2021
King Charles was the Reviewing Officer for the RAF College’s Combined Parade at Cranwell 29042022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright
Charles was the Reviewing Officer for the RAF College's Combined Parade at Cranwell in April 2022 (MOD)
Prince Charles on board HMS Queen Elizabeth meets Falklands War veterans on July 2022.
Prince Charles on board HMS Queen Elizabeth meets Falklands War veterans on July 2022
King Charles joining Armed Forces personnel who led nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph 13112022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copy
King Charles joining Armed Forces personnel who led nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph in 2022 (Picture: MOD)
King Charles visiting Ukrainian troops training in Wiltshire 220223 CREDIT MOD
King Charles visiting Ukrainian troops training in Wiltshire in February 2023 (Picture: MOD)
Charles attends first Sovereign's Parade as King at Sandhurst 140323 CREDIT BFBS
King Charles attends his first Sovereign's Parade as King at Sandhurst in March 2023
King Charles inspects the officer cadets on parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023 (Picture: MOD).
King Charles inspects the officer cadets on parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023 (Picture: MOD)
King Charles presents the Armed Forces with new Colours and Standards 270423 CREDIT MOD.jpg
King Charles presents the Armed Forces with new Colours and Standards in April 2023 (Picture: MOD)
Image ID G6D6EF Prince Charles in cockpit of Chipmunk aircraft before flying from RAF Oakington with instructor 20051969 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
Prince Charles, on the day he received his wings at RAF College Cranwell, with Prince Philip, both in uniform, in August 1971 (Picture: Keystone Pictures USA, ZUMAPRESS, Keystone Press, Alamy Stock Photo).
IMAGE ID G54W3N Queen Elizabeth II visiting HMS Norfolk being shown around by King Charles III, the ship he was serving on board 300672 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
IMAGE ID B4WKPH Queen Elizabeth II being shown around HMS Norfolk by Prince Charles 030772 CREDIT Trinity Mirror, Mirrorpix, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg_.jpg
IMAGE ID G47H8B Prince Charles in cockpit of Wessex helicopter at RNAS Yeovilton 12121974 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
IMAGE ID G6F9H3 Then Prince Charles preparing to fly in public for the first time at International Air Day at RNAS Culdrose 230775 CREDIT PA Images, Alamy Stock Photo EXP 14112023.jpg
Prince Charles on HMS Bronington with a 16-year-old Prince Andrew 011176 CREDIT PA ALAMY.jpg
Image ID B445T7 Prince Charles leaving the Royal Navy saluting his shipmates December 1976 EXP 041123 CREDIT Alamy .jpg
Colonel-in-Chief Prince Charles drives a tank during a visit to 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, in Tidworth in June 1985 (David Cooper, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles meets Chelsea Pensioners during Founders Day at the Royal Hospital in June 1999 (PICTURE: MOD).
Prince Charles meeting members of 16 Air Assualt Brigade, Parachute Regiment, before their deployment to the Gulf CREDIT MOD 290103.jpeg
Prince Charles on a surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan, the most senior and only royal member to visit Kabul in living memory (Picture: MOD).
Prince Charles gives out Afghanistan campaign medals to Navy personnel in July 2010 (Picture: PA/ Alamy).
Prince Charles in uniform salutes during HMS Prince of Wales commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth naval base in December 2019 (Picture: Alamy).
Prince Charles addresses members of the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor in May 2021 (Picture: Reuters, Peter Cziborra, Pool, Alamy Stock Photo).
Prince Charles saluting newly commissioned Royal Navy Officers passing out at Britannia Royal Naval College 161221 CREDIT BFBS.jpg
Prince Charles addresses personnel from Parachute Regiment at Merville Barracks, Colchester, where he presented the regiment with its new colours in July 2021.
King Charles was the Reviewing Officer for the RAF College’s Combined Parade at Cranwell 29042022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copyright
Prince Charles on board HMS Queen Elizabeth meets Falklands War veterans on July 2022.
King Charles joining Armed Forces personnel who led nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph 13112022 CREDIT MOD Crown Copy
King Charles visiting Ukrainian troops training in Wiltshire 220223 CREDIT MOD
Charles attends first Sovereign's Parade as King at Sandhurst 140323 CREDIT BFBS
King Charles inspects the officer cadets on parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023 (Picture: MOD).
King Charles presents the Armed Forces with new Colours and Standards 270423 CREDIT MOD.jpg

King Charles III has always maintained a close relationship with the Armed Forces.

The military's Commander-in-Chief served in the both Royal Navy and Royal Air Force – following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and both great-grandfathers.

His career saw him take command of coastal minehunter HMS Bronington, while he also qualified as a helicopter pilot, flying Wessex helicopters with 845 Naval Air Squadron.

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