As prince of Wales, he was the first heir to the British throne to earn a bachelor's degree, an active member of the Royal Navy, a skilled pilot, and a strong voice for environmental issues.
Charles also said, however, that as king he would not be able to interfere in politics because a sovereign's duties are different from those of the Prince of Wales.
In April 2022 she did not attend the state opening of parliament, instead issuing letters patent, authorising the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge, as counsellors of state, to deputise for her.
She is likely to be supporting the Prince of Wales at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in November. She is also working on a carol service to take place in December.
William and Harry walked behind her coffin in the funeral procession, as well as the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, her brother Lord Spencer and representatives of some of her charities.
The Prince of Wales has waited longer to assume the British throne than any heir, and the world will now swirl around him at a new and uncrossable distance.