It is a moment for the history books, the birth of a boy who would be king. On 14 November 1948, the future Charles III was born. As the first child of the soon to be Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, his path to the throne was clear. But the baby who arrived on that November day had another claim to fame. For he is most likely the last Monarch who will be born in a very historic location. 

Charles Philip Arthur George made his debut at Buckingham Palace. But will any other Sovereign ever be born there?

Queen Elizabeth II never formally announced that she was pregnant with any of her children. Instead, when the then Princess Elizabeth’s pregnancy progressed, in 1948, Buckingham Palace simply announced she would not be undertaking any public duties for a short period of time. 

At 9.14pm on 14 November 1948, the then Princess Elizabeth gave birth to a son at Buckingham Palace. Prince Charles Philip Arthur George of Edinburgh was second in line to the throne at birth. 

The young Prince Charles will, most likely, be the last Sovereign to be born at a royal residence rather than at a hospital. His heir, Prince William, was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, as was Prince George. 

King Charles was also baptised at Buckingham Palace. On 15 December 1948, he was baptised by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. 

His grandparents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, attended the christening. His great-grandmother, Queen Mary, was also present.