Radio presenter eerily predicted Charles wouldn't inherit crown until older age

05 May 2023 , 16:34

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Charles is preparing for his Coronation (Image: PA)

On November 14, 1948, 22-year-old Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip welcomed their first child, a son, whom they named Charles Phillip Arther George.

Now, 74 years later, Charles is preparing for his Coronation as King, which will take place in London on May 6.

From his birth, the world knew he would one day be king, as he was born a direct successor to the throne, after his mother.

However, it wasn't clear when exactly he would wear the crown as at that point he was still behind both his grandfather and mother.

But just three years into his life, his position moved closer, when King George VI sadly passed away, and Elizabeth II became Queen.

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He was born on November 14, 1948 (Mirrorpix via Getty Images)

He's now 74 years old (UK Press via Getty Images)

While no one could predict the King's death, or that the Queen would go on to become Britain's longest-reigning monarch of 70 years and 127 days, an eerie clip from a radio show on the day of Charles' birth seemed to anticipate that he would have to wait many years before ascending the throne.

CBC Radio presenter Matthew Halton spoke at the time about the importance of Prince Charles' birth and why people were celebrating the news.

"A child is born who will one day be the 41st monarch of this country since the Norman conquest in 1066. However, if his grandfather the King, and his mother, the princess, both live the full span of life he may well be 50 or 60 years old before he ascends the throne."

While Halton ended up being off by over a decade, as Charles was 73 when his mother died, it's apt to say the Queen certainly did live the full span of life, just as he said.

King Charles III's Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey and the service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, will be packed with tradition, with Charles and Camilla due to wear priceless jewel-encrusted crowns, sit on thrones and make pledges of life-long service.

Following this, there will be a Coronation Procession back to Buckingham Palace, spanning a 1.3-mile route. The day will conclude with the King and Queen Consort standing on the palace balcony, with other senior members of the royal family.

Over the course of the weekend, there will also be a celebratory Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, featuring the likes of Take That, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.

Will you be watching the festivities? Let us know in the comments below.

Courtney Pochin