• The reign of King Charles III began on Sept. 8, 2022
  • King Charles was 73 years old when he took the throne
  • He's already in the Top 5 oldest British monarchs

King Charles III recently ascended the British throne. He'd waited 70 years as the heir, and was 73 when he became monarch.

At 73 years old, King Charles became the oldest ascending monarch in British history. And as it turns out, he's also pretty high up the list of oldest sitting monarchs at any point in their reign!

King Charles is making royal history with his age

From his first day, Charles was actually the fifth oldest British King or Queen ever. In a few years, King Charles would pass King George II, who lived to be 76. 

For third place, Charles III still has a ways to go: George III ruled until his death at age 81.

Also interesting:

Queen Victoria, the second oldest British monarch, also lived to 81, but five days longer than George III. 

And of course, the record-holder is none other than Charles's mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

In a 70-year reign, the Queen accomplished plenty and set countless records. The late monarch lived 96 years, 4 months, and 18 days.

But as King Charles would no doubt agree: Age is just a number. He's just getting started with his era as ruler.