Prince Charles at Play

Mischievous baby Charles toys curiously with the necklace of his giggling mother, the future Queen

A relaxed family scene sees the future Queen - then just Princess Elizabeth - and her husband Prince Philip take their baby son Charles for a stroll in the garden. While clearly trying to act obligingly for the camera crew, the royal couple are at the mercy of their firstborn’s troublesome urges, as he puts a finger into Elizabeth’s mouth and grabs her necklace. But it’s all smiles from her.

This rare footage shows Charles at less than a year old. At this time, his parents were renting Windlesham Moor near Sunningdale, Surrey. The manor house and its gardens provide a suitably graceful backdrop to this leisurely family time.