Charles was born in Strelitz, the only son of the reigning Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Adolphus Frederick II, and his third wife, Princess Christiane Emilie of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. His father died when he was only three months old.
After leaving the Army, Charles lived with his family in the castle of Mirow, spending most of his time managing his estates and attending to the education of his children [REF].