Photos show what King Charles' reign has been like so far, from ascending the throne to a cancer diagnosis

Samantha GrindellApr 2, 2024, 02:56 IST

King Charles III has only sat on the UK throne for a year and a half, but his reign has already been eventful.ARTHUR EDWARDS/POOL/AFP/Leon Neal/Getty Images

King Charles III became monarch when Queen Elizabeth II, his mother, died on September 8, 2022.
The king's first year and a half as monarch have been eventful from the start.

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, ending her tenure as the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom's history.

Her eldest son, King Charles III, became monarch the moment she died. He had 73 years to train for the job, and he stepped into his mother's shoes immediately, leading her funeral processions and guiding the UK into a new era.

The king's first year and a half on the throne have included historic events, like his coronation, as well as more challenging times, such as his recent cancer diagnosis.

Take a look at photos of what King Charles' reign has been like so far.

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral in Scotland, and the public got its first glimpse of King Charles III the next day.

King Charles leaves Balmoral on September 9, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth.Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

The same day, the monarch met with then-Prime Minister Liz Truss, the last prime minister to have a weekly audience with Queen Elizabeth.

King Charles and Liz Truss formally meet at Buckingham Palace on September 9, 2022.WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images

Charles also gave his first address as monarch that day, during which he paid tribute to the Queen, gave Prince William a new title, and sent his love to Prince Harry.

King Charles gives a speech after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 9, 2022.The Royal Family/Instagram

The following day, Charles was officially proclaimed king by the Privy Council at St James's Palace at the first meeting of an Accession Council to be broadcast live in history.

King Charles speaking at the Accession Council meeting on September 10, 2022.The Royal Family/YouTube

The following day, Charles was officially proclaimed king by the Privy Council at St James's Palace at the first meeting of an Accession Council to be broadcast live in history.

In between his formal engagements, the king greeted his new subjects in his first days as monarch.

King Charles shakes hands with well-wishers at Clarence House in London on September 10, 2022.WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images

Four days after his mother's death, Charles and his siblings stood vigil over her coffin at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, for a Service of Thanksgiving.

King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew at the Vigil of the Princes on September 12, 2022.WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images

The king showed a public moment of frustration in the early days of his reign when he had a leaky pen during a signing ceremony at Northern Ireland's Hillsborough Castle. "I can't bear this bloody thing!" he said.

King Charles signs a book at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on September 13, 2022.Niall Carson/WPA Pool/Getty Images

The king showed a public moment of frustration in the early days of his reign when he had a leaky pen during a signing ceremony at Northern Ireland's Hillsborough Castle. "I can't bear this bloody thing!" he said.

Charles was photographed with Meghan and Harry for the first time in years on September 14, 2022, as they awaited the arrival of Queen Elizabeth's casket at Buckingham Palace.

A close-up photo shows Meghan, Harry, and Charles through a window of Buckingham Palace on September 14, 2022.Jeremy Selwyn - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Charles was photographed with Meghan and Harry for the first time in years on September 14, 2022, as they awaited the arrival of Queen Elizabeth's casket at Buckingham Palace.

A photo of the royals released on September 18, 2022, set a more relaxed tone for the monarchy's new leadership under Charles. The couples appeared more affectionate with one another compared to previous portraits.

Camilla, King Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton in a royal portrait taken on September 18, 2022.Chris Jackson/Getty Images via Instagram

A photo of the royals released on September 18, 2022, set a more relaxed tone for the monarchy's new leadership under Charles. The couples appeared more affectionate with one another compared to previous portraits.

The king left a note on his mother's coffin during her funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022, that read, "In loving and devoted memory. Charles R."

King Charles during Queen Elizabeth II's funeral at St. George's Chapel on September 19, 2022.Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images

On October 3, 2022, Charles and Camilla visited Dunfermline, Scotland, to name it a new city. The kilt-wearing sovereign was met with cheers from the crowd.

King Charles greets well-wishers in Dunfermline, Scotland, on October 3, 2022.Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty Images

The kilt-wearing king also visited Aberdeen Town House in Scotland on October 17, 2022.

King Charles visits Aberdeen Town House on October 17, 2022, in Aberdeen, Scotland.Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images

A day later, Charles and Camilla visited the London community organization Project Zero, where he demonstrated that he intended to make the monarchy accessible to the public.

King Charles and Camilla visit Project Zero in London on October 18, 2022.Paul Grover - Pool/Getty Images

A day later, Charles and Camilla visited the London community organization Project Zero, where he demonstrated that he intended to make the monarchy accessible to the public.

Just a month after meeting Liz Truss, Charles appointed his second Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, on October 25, 2022.

King Charles and Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace on October 25, 2022.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The king made a rare television appearance in an episode of the BBC's show "The Repair Shop" to celebrate 100 years of the network on October 26, 2022.

In late October 2022, the king met with multiple incoming ambassadors and high commissioners in "credential" meetings at the palace.

King Charles meets His Excellency Nehemia Sekhonyana Bereng, high commissioner for the Kingdom of Lesotho, and his wife, Ntee Constance Bereng, at Buckingham Palace on October 27, 2022.Yui Mok - Pool/Getty Images

The palace announced on October 28, 2022, that Charles appointed himself Captain General of the Royal Marines, the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, replacing Harry.

King Charles and Prince Harry at a Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle on September 19, 2022.Kirsty O'Connor - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The palace announced on October 28, 2022, that Charles appointed himself Captain General of the Royal Marines, the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, replacing Harry.

The king hosted Team Great Britain athletes who recently medaled at the Olympic and Paralympic Games at the palace on November 2, 2022.

King Charles meets Olympic medalists at Buckingham Palace on November 2, 2022.Kin Cheung-WPA Pool/Getty Images

The next day, Charles and Camilla visited the "Africa Fashion" exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

King Charles and Camilla visit the "Africa Fashion" exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum on November 3, 2022, in London.Ian Vogler-WPA Pool/Getty Images

Charles hosted leaders at the palace in honor of the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (Cop27) a day later.

King Charles and Stella McCartney during a reception at Buckingham Palace ahead of the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (Cop27) Summit on November 4, 2022.Jonathan Brady - Pool/Getty Images

A heckler egged Charles and Camilla during a walkabout in Yorkshire ahead of a statue unveiling on November 9, 2022.

King Charles looks shocked after someone threw an egg at him during a walkabout at Micklegate Bar in Yorkshire, England, on November 9, 2022.James Glossop - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The king and other senior royals attended the Festival of Remembrance to honor those who served the Commonwealth at Royal Albert Hall on November 12, 2022.

The royal family attends the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall in London on November 12, 2022.Chris Radburn - WPA Pool / Getty Images

Charles and William participated in a Remembrance Sunday ceremony the next day.

Prince William and King Charles attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph war memorial on Whitehall in London on November 13, 2022.Louis Wood - WPA Pool/Getty Images

After a weekend of remembrances, Charles marked his 74th birthday with a ceremony that included a rendition of "Happy Birthday" by the Band of the Household Cavalry and a gun salute at the King's Troop at Green Park in London.

The Band of the Household Cavalry performs on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to mark the 74th birthday of King Charles on November 14, 2022.Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images

After a weekend of remembrances, Charles marked his 74th birthday with a ceremony that included a rendition of "Happy Birthday" by the Band of the Household Cavalry and a gun salute at the King's Troop at Green Park in London.

The king hosted the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, for a state visit on November 22, 2022.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and King Charles toast during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022.Aaron Chown - Pool /Getty Images

On November 24, 2022, Charles held a luncheon for Members of the Order of Merit, a group of people who are honored for their "exceptional" service.

King Charles at a luncheon for Members of the Order of Merit at Buckingham Palace on November 24, 2022.AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The king joined Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, at the opening of a new welcome center for displaced families from Ukraine on November 30, 2022.

King Charles attends the opening of the Welcome Centre at The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile, London, on November 30, 2022.Geoff Pugh - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The king joined Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, at the opening of a new welcome center for displaced families from Ukraine on November 30, 2022.

Charles visited Guru Nanak Gurdwara, a new temple in Bedfordshire, England, on December 6, 2022.

King Charles sits on the floor in the Prayer Hall with Professor Gurch Randhawa on Guru Nanak Gurdwara on December 6, 2022.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The king was spotted for the first time after the premiere of Netflix's "Harry & Meghan" at a service for an Ethiopian church on December 8, 2022.

King Charles attends an Advent Service at The Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church in London on December 8, 2022.WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images

The following day, Charles and Camilla met co-owners of one of the UK's football teams, American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

King Charles and Camilla meet with Wrexham AFC co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on December 9, 2022.Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Charles and Camilla released their first Christmas card as king and queen on December 11, 2022. The card featured a photo of Camilla smiling at Charles at the Braemar Games in Scotland.

The 2022 Christmas card of King Charles and Camilla in front of a Christmas tree in Clarence House on December 11, 2022.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Charles and Camilla released their first Christmas card as king and queen on December 11, 2022. The card featured a photo of Camilla smiling at Charles at the Braemar Games in Scotland.

The king visited the Palace of Westminster to thank those involved with the Queen's lying in state on December 14, 2022.

King Charles visits the Houses of Parliament to see a new plaque commemorating Queen Elizabeth II lying in State in Westminster Hall on December 14, 2022.Paul Grover - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The following day, Charles and Camilla stopped by a community kitchen in London.

King Charles and Camilla visit London's Community Kitchen facilities on December 15, 2022.Isabel Infantes - WPA POOL/Getty Images

Charles and the entire royal family appeared together the day volume two of Harry and Meghan's Netflix series premiered on December 15, 2022.

King Charles and Camilla attend the "Together at Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 15, 2022.Yui Mok - Pool/Getty Images

On December 25, 2022, Charles stepped into his mother's shoes with his first filmed Christmas address to the Commonwealth, continuing a 90-year tradition for England's monarchs.

King Charles's first Christmas broadcast in the Quire of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle was released on December 25, 2022.Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty Images

On December 25, 2022, Charles stepped into his mother's shoes with his first filmed Christmas address to the Commonwealth, continuing a 90-year tradition for England's monarchs.

The king also led the royal family's annual walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham for a Christmas Day service.

The royal family attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2022, in Sandringham, Norfolk.Stephen Pond/Getty Images

On January 12, 2023, the king appeared in public just two days after Harry released "Spare," in which Harry opened up about his relationships with Charles and William.

King Charles visits Aboyne and Mid Deeside Community Shed on January 12, 2023.Andrew Milligan/WPA Pool/Getty Images

The king toured the Kellogg's factory in Manchester on January 20, 2023, to celebrate 100 years of the brand in the UK.

King Charles tours the Kellogg's factory in Manchester on its 100th anniversary on January 20, 2023.Paul Ellis - WPA Pool/Getty Images

King Charles and Camilla marked Holocaust Memorial Day at the palace on January 27, 2023.

King Charles III and Camilla light a candle at Buckingham Palace to mark Holocaust Memorial Day alongside Holocaust survivor Dr. Martin Stern and a survivor of the Darfur genocide, Amouna Adam, on January 27, 2023.WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images

On February 8, 2023, the monarch welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the palace on his first visit to the UK since Russia invaded Ukraine.

King Charles shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Buckingham Palace on February 8, 2023.Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty Images

The king was met by more protesters when visiting the Church of Christ the Cornerstone for a reception on February 16, 2023.

King Charles greets a crowd and protesters at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone ahead of a reception in Milton Keynes on February 16, 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

On February 20, 2023, King Charles visited a training center for Ukrainian military recruits in Wiltshire, England.

King Charles III visits a training site for Ukrainian military recruits in Wiltshire, England, on February 20, 2023.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

King Charles and Camilla took their first state visit to Germany in March 2023.

King Charles III and Camilla attend a State Banquet at Schloss Bellevue with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender on March 29, 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Buckingham Palace released a new portrait of King Charles and Camilla on April 4, 2023, ahead of the coronation.

King Charles III and Camilla pose for a photo in Buckingham Palace ahead of the coronation.Buckingham Palace/Hugo Burnand/Reuters

King Charles III's coronation was held on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey.

King Charles is crowned at his coronation on May 6, 2023.Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

After the coronation, King Charles appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as monarch for the very first time.

The royal family appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after King Charles III's coronation.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The royal family gathered at Buckingham Palace again for Trooping the Colour on June 17.

The royal family stands on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour in June 2023.Neil Mockford/Getty Images

Charles met with President Joe Biden at Windsor Castle on July 10.

King Charles III and President Joe Biden pose in Windsor Castle in July 2023.ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The king gave a speech at the State Opening of Parliament on November 7.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the State Opening of Parliament at the Houses of Parliament in November 2023.Kirsty Wigglesworth - WPA Pool/Getty Images

To celebrate his birthday on November 14, the king attended the launch of The Coronation Food Project.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the opening of The Coronation Food Project in November 2023.IAN VOGLER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The king referenced global conflict in his Christmas address for 2023.

King Charles III gives his Christmas address at Buckingham Palace in December 2023.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool /Getty Images

The royal family also took their annual walk through Sandringham on Christmas Day 2023 — marking the most recent occasion the entire royal family gathered as a group.

The royal family walks through Sandringham on Christmas Day 2023.ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

The royal family also took their annual walk through Sandringham on Christmas Day 2023 — marking the most recent occasion the entire royal family gathered as a group.

The king was photographed leaving the London Clinic on January 29 after undergoing surgery for a benign prostate enlargement.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla leaving the London Clinic on January 29, 2024.Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

On February 5, Buckingham Palace announced the king had been diagnosed with cancer.

Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer on February 5, 2024.Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

On February 11, the monarch was photographed going to church with Camilla just a few days after his diagnosis.

King Charles and Queen Camilla attend a church service in Sandringham in February 2024.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Charles also greeted well-wishers on Easter after a tumultuous March for the royals.

King Charles and Queen Camilla shake hands with people at Windsor Castle on Easter 2024.Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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Photos show what King Charles' reign has been like so far, from ascending the throne to a cancer diagnosis

Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral in Scotland, and the public got its first glimpse of King Charles III the next day.

The same day, the monarch met with then-Prime Minister Liz Truss, the last prime minister to have a weekly audience with Queen Elizabeth.

Charles also gave his first address as monarch that day, during which he paid tribute to the Queen, gave Prince William a new title, and sent his love to Prince Harry.

The following day, Charles was officially proclaimed king by the Privy Council at St James's Palace at the first meeting of an Accession Council to be broadcast live in history.

In between his formal engagements, the king greeted his new subjects in his first days as monarch.

Four days after his mother's death, Charles and his siblings stood vigil over her coffin at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, for a Service of Thanksgiving.

The king showed a public moment of frustration in the early days of his reign when he had a leaky pen during a signing ceremony at Northern Ireland's Hillsborough Castle. "I can't bear this bloody thing!" he said.

Charles was photographed with Meghan and Harry for the first time in years on September 14, 2022, as they awaited the arrival of Queen Elizabeth's casket at Buckingham Palace.

A photo of the royals released on September 18, 2022, set a more relaxed tone for the monarchy's new leadership under Charles. The couples appeared more affectionate with one another compared to previous portraits.

The king left a note on his mother's coffin during her funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022, that read, "In loving and devoted memory. Charles R."

On October 3, 2022, Charles and Camilla visited Dunfermline, Scotland, to name it a new city. The kilt-wearing sovereign was met with cheers from the crowd.

The kilt-wearing king also visited Aberdeen Town House in Scotland on October 17, 2022.

A day later, Charles and Camilla visited the London community organization Project Zero, where he demonstrated that he intended to make the monarchy accessible to the public.

Just a month after meeting Liz Truss, Charles appointed his second Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, on October 25, 2022.

The king made a rare television appearance in an episode of the BBC's show "The Repair Shop" to celebrate 100 years of the network on October 26, 2022.

In late October 2022, the king met with multiple incoming ambassadors and high commissioners in "credential" meetings at the palace.

The palace announced on October 28, 2022, that Charles appointed himself Captain General of the Royal Marines, the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, replacing Harry.

The king hosted Team Great Britain athletes who recently medaled at the Olympic and Paralympic Games at the palace on November 2, 2022.

The next day, Charles and Camilla visited the "Africa Fashion" exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Charles hosted leaders at the palace in honor of the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (Cop27) a day later.

A heckler egged Charles and Camilla during a walkabout in Yorkshire ahead of a statue unveiling on November 9, 2022.

The king and other senior royals attended the Festival of Remembrance to honor those who served the Commonwealth at Royal Albert Hall on November 12, 2022.

Charles and William participated in a Remembrance Sunday ceremony the next day.

After a weekend of remembrances, Charles marked his 74th birthday with a ceremony that included a rendition of "Happy Birthday" by the Band of the Household Cavalry and a gun salute at the King's Troop at Green Park in London.

The king hosted the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, for a state visit on November 22, 2022.

On November 24, 2022, Charles held a luncheon for Members of the Order of Merit, a group of people who are honored for their "exceptional" service.

The king joined Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, at the opening of a new welcome center for displaced families from Ukraine on November 30, 2022.

Charles visited Guru Nanak Gurdwara, a new temple in Bedfordshire, England, on December 6, 2022.

The king was spotted for the first time after the premiere of Netflix's "Harry & Meghan" at a service for an Ethiopian church on December 8, 2022.

The following day, Charles and Camilla met co-owners of one of the UK's football teams, American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Charles and Camilla released their first Christmas card as king and queen on December 11, 2022. The card featured a photo of Camilla smiling at Charles at the Braemar Games in Scotland.

The king visited the Palace of Westminster to thank those involved with the Queen's lying in state on December 14, 2022.

The following day, Charles and Camilla stopped by a community kitchen in London.

Charles and the entire royal family appeared together the day volume two of Harry and Meghan's Netflix series premiered on December 15, 2022.

On December 25, 2022, Charles stepped into his mother's shoes with his first filmed Christmas address to the Commonwealth, continuing a 90-year tradition for England's monarchs.

The king also led the royal family's annual walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham for a Christmas Day service.

On January 12, 2023, the king appeared in public just two days after Harry released "Spare," in which Harry opened up about his relationships with Charles and William.

The king toured the Kellogg's factory in Manchester on January 20, 2023, to celebrate 100 years of the brand in the UK.

King Charles and Camilla marked Holocaust Memorial Day at the palace on January 27, 2023.

On February 8, 2023, the monarch welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the palace on his first visit to the UK since Russia invaded Ukraine.

The king was met by more protesters when visiting the Church of Christ the Cornerstone for a reception on February 16, 2023.

On February 20, 2023, King Charles visited a training center for Ukrainian military recruits in Wiltshire, England.

King Charles and Camilla took their first state visit to Germany in March 2023.

Buckingham Palace released a new portrait of King Charles and Camilla on April 4, 2023, ahead of the coronation.

King Charles III's coronation was held on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey.

After the coronation, King Charles appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as monarch for the very first time.

The royal family gathered at Buckingham Palace again for Trooping the Colour on June 17.

Charles met with President Joe Biden at Windsor Castle on July 10.

The king gave a speech at the State Opening of Parliament on November 7.

To celebrate his birthday on November 14, the king attended the launch of The Coronation Food Project.

The king referenced global conflict in his Christmas address for 2023.

The royal family also took their annual walk through Sandringham on Christmas Day 2023 — marking the most recent occasion the entire royal family gathered as a group.

The king was photographed leaving the London Clinic on January 29 after undergoing surgery for a benign prostate enlargement.

On February 5, Buckingham Palace announced the king had been diagnosed with cancer.

On February 11, the monarch was photographed going to church with Camilla just a few days after his diagnosis.

Charles also greeted well-wishers on Easter after a tumultuous March for the royals.