Best Photos of King Charles From His Bachelor Years

Long before King Charles III became King in late 2022, or walked down the aisle for the first time in 1981, the royal had many years in the spotlight as a young, handsome bachelor.

And while he did some courting during that time, including with his late ex-wife Princess Diana and her very own sister Lady Sarah Spencer, the royal also fulfilled his many duties as the Prince of Wales and had some fun along the way.

So, as we all gather to send him best wishes in his recent battle with cancer, we’ve decided to walk down memory lane and reminisce about his good ol’ days. From traveling the world and enjoying his favorite hobbies to teasing photographers with a hilarious mask, take a look at the best pictures from Charles’ bachelor years below!

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A Prince’s Best Friend

Charles looked so mysterious as he looked back at photographers will walking his labrador, Harvey.

A Traveller

Charles was taking it all in during his Royal Tour in India in 1975.

One Coconut for the Prince!

That same day, Charles enjoyed some local delights by drinking straight from a coconut.

Embracing All Cultures

While Blackfeet nation in his 1977 visit to Canada, Charles looked to be having a great time while wearing this colorful feather headdress.

Birthday Prince

Charles looked handsome in this traditional garb as he posed for his 30th birthday on 14th November 1978 outside of Balmoral Castle. Of course, Harvey was right by his side.

Team Dog

In addition to Harvey, Charles also owned his adorable Jack Russell Terrier, which he can be seen here playing with after a game of polo.

Hitting the Waves

While it maybe he hard to picture it now, Charles had a series of unexpected hobbies, including windsurfing!

Meeting Hollywood Royalty

In 1974, British royalty met Hollywood royalty when Charles chatted with none other than Barbra Streisand at the Warner Bros. studio.

Becoming Prince of Wales

In a picture worth hanging on a wall somewhere in his palace, Charles is seen kneeling before Queen Elizabeth as she crowns him Prince of Wales in 1969.

A Musician

Did you know the King also plays the cello? Well, neither did we!

Keeping It Light

Charles showed his rebellious side when he wore this joke mask to tease photographers during a skiing holiday in Klosters, Switzerland, in 1980.

Rocking a Beard

While the period was brief, Charles once rocked a beard back in 1976. If you ask us, it totally suits him!

Dabbling in Acting

During his time at Cambridge, Charles dabbled in acting by participating in a sketch called Scoop for the Trinity College Dryden Society. Who knew?

Underwater

This picture of Charles looking mysteriously at the camera while on holiday in Barbados in 1970 might be one of our favorites to date!

Big Brother

Charles also was the ultimate big brother to his youngest sibling Prince Edward. In this 1969 pic, Charles is seen going for a spin in their go-kart on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Setting an Example

In addition to just playing around, it’s clear from this 1976 photo that Charles also set quite an example to his brother Prince Edward.

Polo Prince

Joining his long list of hobbies, Charles has also been an avid polo player (a love that was certainly passed down to his sons).

Suited Up

In 1975, Charles had many layers of traditional garb on when he was honored as the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.

Busby Duties

Speaking of traditional garb, Charles once wore this huge busby hat during the 1976 Trooping the Color.

Loving Animals

This sweet picture from 1974 shows just how much Charles connected with his horses before and after polo matches.

Courting Around

In the late 1970s, things got serious between Charles and heiress Sabrina Guinness. Unfortunately, the Queen reportedly didn’t approve.

All Smiles

Before meeting Princess Diana, Charles briefly dated her sister Sarah Spencer. Eek!

In this pic, the two seemed to be giddy next to one another.