A History of the Kings Charles I and Charles II

As King Charles III approaches his 75^th Birthday on the 3^rd Saturday of June, the new Banknotes with his portrait are now officially in circulation.

King Charles III ascended to the throne on September 8, 2022 and became the oldest incoming Monarch at age 73.

Lets take a look at the previous two British monarchs with stylized titles of Charles

 King Charles I (1600-1649)

King Charles I was born on November 19, 1600, in Dunfermline, Scotland. He ascended to the English throne in 1625 following the death of his father, James I. Charles I's reign was marked by intense political strife and conflicts with Parliament. His belief in the divine right of kings led him to govern without Parliament from 1629 to 1640, a period known as the Personal Rule. This autocratic style, along with his imposition of unpopular taxes and religious reforms, fueled widespread discontent.

The tension between the monarchy and Parliament eventually erupted into the English Civil War in 1642. Royalists, supporting Charles, fought against the Parliamentarians, led by figures like Oliver Cromwell. Despite initial successes, Charles's forces were ultimately defeated. In 1646, Charles surrendered to the Scots, who handed him over to Parliament. His refusal to compromise led to his trial for treason. On January 30, 1649, Charles I was executed, marking a significant moment in British history as the monarchy was temporarily abolished and a republic, known as the Commonwealth, was established.

 King Charles II (1630-1685)

King Charles II was born on May 29, 1630, in St. James's Palace, London. He became king after the English monarchy was restored in 1660, following the collapse of the Commonwealth. Charles II's reign, often referred to as the Restoration period, was characterized by a significant shift in the political landscape. His early years were marked by attempts to navigate the complex relationship between the crown and Parliament, aiming to avoid the conflicts that plagued his father’s reign.

Charles II was known for his diplomatic skills, particularly in foreign policy. He managed to balance relations with France and the Netherlands, although his secret Catholic sympathies caused friction. His reign saw the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666, which devastated the city but also led to significant rebuilding efforts.

Charles II's court was known for its vibrancy and licentiousness, reflecting the king's own lifestyle. His numerous mistresses and illegitimate children were well-known. Despite his hedonistic reputation, Charles II successfully restored stability to the monarchy and is remembered for his charm and wit. He died on February 6, 1685, and was succeeded by his brother, James II