John Major Fast Facts - CNN.com August 5, 2013 -- Updated 1838 GMT (0238 HKT) (CNN) -- Here's a look at the life of Sir John Major, former prime minister of the United Kingdom. Personal: Birth date: March 29, 1943 Birth place: Carshalton, Surrey Birth name: John Major Father: Abraham Thomas Ball, stage name - Tom Major, performer Mother: Gwen (Coates) Major, dancer Marriage: Norma (Johnson) Major (1970-present) Children: James and Elizabeth Other Facts: Left school at age 16. Worked at a bank prior to entering politics. Was appointed financial guardian of Prince William and Prince Harry after Princess Diana's death. Timeline: 1968-1971 - Member of the Lambeth Borough Council. 1974 - Unsuccessfully runs for a seat in parliament. 1979 - Wins a seat in parliament, representing Huntingdonshire. 1983 - Becomes assistant government whip. 1984 - Becomes treasury whip. 1985-1986 - Serves as undersecretary state for social security. 1986 - Is appointed minister of state for social security. 1987-1989 - Serves as chief secretary to the Treasury. July 1989 - Is appointed foreign secretary. October 1989 - Is appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. November 28, 1990 - Becomes prime minister of the United Kingdom. 1990-1997 - Serves as prime minister of the United Kingdom. June 1995 - Resigns as the head of the Conservative Party and calls for a parliamentary election to establish leadership of the party. He wins the election. May 1, 1997 - Loses election to the Labor Party and Tony Blair. 1999 - "John Major: The Autobiography" is released. 2001 - Retires from Parliament. 2002 - Admits to having a four-year affair with Edwina Currie, a fellow MP, during the 1980s. 2005 - Is made a Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth II. 2007 - Major's book "More Than A Game: The Story of Cricket's Early Years" is released. 2012 - Major's book "My Old Man: A Personal History of Music Hall" is released.