Quick Facts
Merry Monarch: Restored England's crown, ruled with charm, and mistresses.
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Life Journey
Charles II was born to King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria at St. James's Palace in London.
At the age of eight, Charles is formally invested as Prince of Wales, the traditional title for the heir apparent to the English throne.
The English Civil War erupts, and Charles, at 12, joins his father's court in Oxford, witnessing the conflict firsthand.
Following the Royalist defeat, Charles flees to France, where he lives in exile with his mother, Queen Henrietta Maria.
King Charles I is executed, and Charles proclaims himself King of England, although he is not recognized by Parliament.
Charles lands in Scotland and is crowned King of Scots. He leads an invasion into England but is defeated at the Battle of Worcester.
After the Battle of Worcester, Charles narrowly escapes to France, continuing his life in exile and seeking support to regain the throne.
The monarchy is restored, and Charles II is invited back to England as King, marking the end of the Commonwealth period.
Charles II is officially crowned King of England, Scotland, and Ireland at Westminster Abbey, solidifying his rule.
Charles marries the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, forming an alliance and hoping for an heir.
The Great Plague of London breaks out, killing thousands. Charles and his court flee to Oxford to avoid the epidemic.
The Great Fire of London devastates the city, destroying much of the urban area. Charles plays a role in the relief efforts.
Charles signs the Secret Treaty of Dover with Louis XIV of France, agreeing to convert to Catholicism and support French interests.
The Exclusion Crisis threatens Charles's reign as Parliament seeks to exclude his Catholic brother James from the succession.
Charles II dies of a sudden illness at Whitehall Palace, marking the end of his reign and the beginning of his brother James II's rule.