Charles grew up in Northern Ireland, attending Methodist College Belfast as a boarding pupil. 

Following successful GCSE and A Level results, Charles read Geography with Geochemistry BSc at Durham University, graduating in 2015. 

Following the undergraduate qualification, Charles completed a Masters in Earth Sciences, completing a dissertation entitled 'The Greenhouse Gas Impact of Shale Gas Extraction in the UK'. 

Charles subsequently joined the UK Onshore Oil and Gas trade body (UKOOG). Charles worked to develop policy which would stimulate the development of the UK shale gas industry. In 2021, Charles was put in charge of UKOOG as Director of Policy, Government and Public Affairs. In September 2022, the moratorium on fracking was lifted in England. It was subsequently reintroduced later in the year. 

Charles has built up a broad network of trusted individuals across the media, political and business environment.