Are passions supposed to be rolled during the first charge? For example, if a knight with Hate(Saxons) at 22 is beginning a battle against Saxons, does he have to roll that passion before the first charge? Or do passions only start to apply in the first round of melee when all the combatants are fact to face in close proximity?

Given the considerable bonuses that knights already get on the charge, especially against mounted foes like Saxons, I'm sure most players would prefer to save their possible inspired bonuses for after the first charge, especially since that bonus only lasts for one battle round.

Also, is the first charge considered round one of the battle? or does it precede round one of the battle?

Thanks for any help you fine knights and lords can provide.

Are passions supposed to be rolled during the first charge? For example, if a knight with Hate(Saxons) at 22 is beginning a battle against Saxons, does he have to roll that passion before the first charge? Or do passions only start to apply in the first round of melee when all the combatants are fact to face in close proximity?

Yep, for the first charge. BoB2 states, p 85:
Notable Passions (16 or more) affect everyone
the same way. All knights with a notable
Passion must use it in the battle the first time the
knight has a chance to (e.g., he is in melee with the
hated foe). For instance, if your knight has Hate
(Saxons) 18, then the first time the unit is in melee
against any Saxon foe, he must attempt a Passion
roll
emphasis is mine


Given the considerable bonuses that knights already get on the charge, especially against mounted foes like Saxons, I'm sure most players would prefer to save their possible inspired bonuses for after the first charge, especially since that bonus only lasts for one battle round.

Yea, they would prefer such. But Hate is hate, and the rules work the same in battle as anytime.
However, page 85 continues:

If the knight does not want his Passion to kick
in, he must consciously and actively suppress it.
This is achieved by making a successful unopposed
Prudent roll at the start of each round. Failure
requires a Reckless roll, the success of which indicates
that the Passion will be used this round.


Also, is the first charge considered round one of the battle? or does it precede round one of the battle?

Yes, the first charge is Round One

Ah, thank you Greg.