The Prince of Wales is the eldest son of The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Born in 1948, he is the 21st holder of the title Prince of Wales in the last 700 years.

On the accession of Queen Elizabeth in 1952, he became heir apparent to the throne. He also automatically became Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick and Baron Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. He was formally invested as Prince of Wales in 1969.

While there is no formal constitutional role for the heir to the throne, The Prince of Wales takes a keen and, where possible, active interest in all areas of public life.

He supports The Queen in her work, seeks to promote and protect national traditions, virtues and excellence in a non-political way, and acts as a charitable entrepreneur through a range of initiatives.

He is supported in his work by his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall, and increasingly by his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.