This year marks Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, her 70th year as Queen of the United Kingdom. As the world prepares to celebrate an icon, the British royal establishment is working quietly behind the scenes to prepare the stage for Prince Charles to replace his mother and become King. It’s the moment he was destined for – and at 73, he’s been waiting a long time. But as his moment approaches, so does widespread apprehension: Can Prince Charles fill his mother’s shoes? Will the people accept him as king? Is there even a place for monarchy in our modern world? In Born to Rule, NBC’s Keir Simmons talks to journalists and royal insiders who’ve followed Prince Charles for decades to help us understand the man who will be king.

This year, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. At age 96, the Queen is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and her eldest son, Prince Charles, has waited longer than any heir presumptive in British history to ascend the throne. Practically no one alive today in the UK can remember a time before the Queen. But as his moment approaches, so does widespread apprehension: Can Prince Charles fill his mother’s shoes? Will the people accept him as king? Is there even a place for monarchy in our modern world?

This episode of Born to Rule was recorded before King Charles became King. Through our series, you get to hear in real time what we are thinking as events unfold -- extraordinary Royal events that have both uplifted the Royal family and rocked it to the core.

Prince Charles has long been seen as an eccentric - his passion for gardening and watercolor painting combined with his love of the luxurious royal life has given him the reputation of being out-of-touch with the average person. But Charles might also be considered ahead of his time - a long-time environmentalist who’s been spearheading initiatives for sustainable living for more than 50 years. Many of the prince’s ideas, at first quickly dismissed, have turned out to be prescient. We’re taking a deeper look at this complex man. Did he become Prince Charles because of his upbringing or despite it? And how will the Prince Charles that we have come to know evolve into King Charles when he must meet his destiny.

This episode of Born to Rule was recorded before King Charles became King. Through our series, you get to hear in real time what we are thinking as events unfold -- extraordinary Royal events that have both uplifted the Royal family and rocked it to the core.