Queen throws bash for Charles
2008-11-14 07:33
London - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II hosted a glitzy gala dinner for her son Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, as celebrations to mark his 60th birthday on Friday got into full swing.
Guests Princes William and Harry praised their father as "an inspiration to us and so many others", before cheekily remarking that because of his age, they were having an electric chairlift installed at his country home in Highgrove.
Rock star Rod Stewart was due to perform at the event, attended by the queen and her husband Prince Philip, Charles and his wife Camilla, and more than 400 European royalty, friends and members of his charitable organisations.
The first big birthday bash for Charles was a comedy night at a southwest London theatre on Wednesday with stars including Robin Williams, Mr Bean star Rowan Atkinson and Monty Python veteran John Cleese.
"What better tribute to the heir to the throne of this formerly great country that we should bring him tonight to this cramped old theatre somewhere in the God-foresaken suburbs?" Cleese quipped.
Fellow Python Eric Idle, who performed his song Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, said afterwards: "Charles is a lovely man and he loves being around comics and loves people who are funny.
"Just because he can be normal around us, I suppose."
At an age when many are considering retirement, Charles is still waiting to succeed his mother the queen, who is still on the throne aged 82 and shows few signs of slowing down.
Personal happiness
But he sounded philosophical about his position as he reflected on his landmark birthday.
"It is all in the hands of the good Lord as to whether I survive or am vaguely compos mentis," he told a BBC documentary to mark his birthday. "Our life is so short and insignificant in the great scheme of things."
Asked if he enjoyed his role, he replied: "I don't know."
"Well, there's bits of it," he added. "It is something that I feel I must do to help as many other people as I possibly can and this country."
Commentators dismiss suggestions he is frustrated, noting that he has found personal happiness after marrying long-time companion Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005 and focusing on his extensive charity work.
Camilla will host a less formal party for her husband on Saturday.
The queen took the unusual step on Wednesday of praising her eldest child's work with the Prince's Trust, which supports disadvantaged young people. Charles will spend Friday with participants of some of the trust's projects.
"Countless lives have been transformed by the Prince's Trust to which the Prince of Wales has brought vision and conviction," the queen said after meeting volunteers with the organisation.
"For Prince Philip and me, there can be no greater pleasure or comfort than to know that into his care are safely entrusted the guiding principles of public service and duty to others."
- AFP