King Charles III, everyman: Pictures of the monarch mingling with world politicians

On September 8, 2022, Prince Charles became King Charles III following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He frequently tops the headlines as he travels this way and that for diplomatic missions, photo ops, and public appearances, which will continue for as long as he reigns. Thankfully, old Charlie has some experience in that department. Ever since he was a child, he has been flown around the world to shake hands with all sorts of politicians and public figures. By now, he should be a pro.

He certainly seemed at ease at the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace, UK, held on July 18. He rubbed shoulders with many European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with whom he shared a laugh and a pat on the shoulder. However, it was French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who really had him cracking up! Cameras captured the three giggling together at a joke seemingly told by the Greek PM. Perhaps it was easier for the British monarch to mingle with leaders of the EU given the recent election of Keir Starmer to the position of prime minister of the UK. Starmer is the first Labour Party leader to hold this position since before Brexit, and seems determined to repair the UK's relationship with the rest of Europe. 

Let's look back at some of our favorite pictures of Charles wowing world leaders with his charisma.

The royals and the Eisenhowers

A young Charles can be seen here practicing his diplomacy skills with his sister and mother, and former US President Eisenhower with his own slightly taller son.

Nixon shows Prince Charles the White House front yard

Charles and his sister, Princess Anne, took a trip to Washington D.C. during the early 1970s, and President Richard Nixon was more than happy to show them the view of the White House's front lawn from the balcony of the South Portico.

The PM and the Prince

Charles has mingled with ministers for most of his life, even during his young and wild years. Here we see him leaving 10 Downing Street with former Prime Minister Edward Heath, after attending to what was surely some very important business.

Ivory Coast patrol

Here we see Charles given the honor of riding with Ivory Coast's first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a champion of African independence warmly referred to as "Papa Houphouët." 

Getting down to business

A charming Charles and a deliberating Roy Jenkins, former President of the European Commission, focus intently on very important things going on behind the camera.

The Prince in India

Here we can see Charles admiring the fine stitching of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's saree during a visit in 1980, just four years before the legendary Indian leader's assassination.

The Prince down under

On a visit to one of his family's numerous former colonies, Charles shared a good laugh with his late first wife Princess Diana, and then-Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his wife, Hazel Hawke.

A candid with the Kohls

Sometimes even royals and world leaders need to do a couple of takes before they get their pictures just right. Certainly, Charles, Princess Diana, German Chancellor Kohl, and his wife Hannelore took another snap after this one.

The future monarch and the Mitterrand

Later on during that same trip, Charles put on his Sunday best for a stroll with the former President of France, François Mitterrand.

The Mandela effect

Here we see Nelson Mandela putting his usual charms on Charles as they enjoy the festivities in the Netherlands in 2002, at the wedding of then-Prince Willem-Alexander and Maxima Zorreguieta.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a Bush!

Charles and former President George Bush Sr. raise their heads to the sky as something very exciting happens above them, specifically, an aircraft exhibition during the rededication ceremony at the American Air Museum of Great Britain.

Putin and the Prince

In 2003, during slightly simpler times, Vladimir Putin made a trip to London, marking the first visit from a Russian head of state since 1874. Charles seems unable to contain his excitement.

Charles the peacemaker

In the aftermath of the Jyllands-Posten cartoon scandal, Charles traveled to Egypt in 2006 in an attempt to ease tensions between the Muslim world and the West.

Part of the conversation

Sometimes poor Charles needs to try extra hard to stay in the conversation. Here we can see him doing his best with former President Obama and former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. And really, isn't the best all we can ask of anyone?

Old friends having fun

Charles, also sometimes known as Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment, can be seen having a devil of a time with former Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher at a celebration of the Airborne Forces. Who do you think cracked the joke?

Talks in the Oval Office

Finally getting some attention in the presence of President Obama, Charles has then-Vice President Joe Biden on the edge of his seat as they sit in the Oval Office.

Charles and the Chancellor

Here we can see Charles and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel take advantage of a heartfelt photo op in Berlin in 2019 during the prince's four-day tour of the country.

Charles and Trump

Later in the evening, the former Prince and former President look as though they're in competition for the best white wine facts.