HM King Charles III took on the role of UWC President from his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten in 1978. During his tenure, he oversaw the rapid growth of the movement. By the time of his departure, UWC consisted of nine schools. This included UWC-USA, UWC Adriatic and Li Po Chun UWC of Hong Kong, all of which he played an important role in helping to open. 

Over the course of his public life, he has been involved in raising awareness for a number of social issues, and championed many humanitarian causes.

He remains a committed environmentalist, and a strong campaigner for raising awareness around climate change. In 1976, he founded the Prince’s Trust, which raises an estimated GBP 100 million annually and is the largest multi-cause charitable enterprise in the UK.

His work in raising the profile and vision of the UWC movement is still felt today.