It won't necessarily be as straight forward as 'King Charles' Jun 4, 2021 Prince Charles has been heir apparent to the throne since he was three years old. Now, at the age of 72, his mother Queen Elizabeth remains healthy and able to carry out her duties as monarch, so Charles' position hasn't changed. But at some stage it will be time for the Prince of Wales to take the crown - and when that happens he can expect some major changes. There will be the obvious things, like moving from his home in Clarence House to Buckingham Palace, and then of course there will be a change in title. Prince Charles is currently the Prince of Wales, but when he eventually becomes king that title will pass down to his son, Prince William.