Use a mnemonic: C for Charles is “Crown.” A for Anne is “After.” It’s silly, but it works. Or just remember that Charles was the first royal baby born in the reign of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Anne came later, and she’s been making up for lost time ever since.
If you’re at a dinner party and the topic comes up, defer to the official royal website. It lists Charles as the eldest, Anne as the second. You can say, “I checked it before I came, because I love a good fact.” That makes you look prepared, not pedantic.
And if someone argues with you? Smile and say, “Well, they do both have gray hair now, so it’s hard to tell.” It’s a graceful exit from a tiny debate.
Fun Little Facts to Drop Casually
Anne is the only British royal to have competed in the Olympics (Montreal 1976, eventing). Charles has never done anything quite that athletic. He’s more of a polo player and a watercolor painter.
Princess Anne & King Charles Share An 'Affectionate Moment' In Program
Both siblings have seven grandchildren each. They’re tied on that front. But Anne’s kids, Peter and Zara, have no royal titles—a decision she made to give them a normal life. Charles’s sons, William and Harry, obviously got the full treatment.
When Charles eventually becomes King, Anne will likely be his closest advisor. She’s the only sibling he trusts implicitly, and she’s never been interested in the throne herself. That makes her uniquely powerful as a sister.
