Prince Charles turns 60
2008-11-14 14:03
London - Prince Charles celebrated his 60th birthday on Friday surrounded by young people who have been helped by his charities, as he passes a milestone year with little sign of an end to his long wait to be king.
The heir to the British throne has been celebrating his birthday all week, with a star-studded comedy show one night and a black-tie gala the next, but spent Friday meeting participants of a Prince's Trust scheme in London.
By his side was Camilla, his wife of three years who confidants say has brought Charles happiness, even if the role he was born for still eludes him.
His sons by Princess Diana, princes William and Harry, paid tribute to their father at a black-tie dinner thrown by the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Thursday night, saying he was "an inspiration to us and so many others".
The princes also joked that because of their father's age they were having an electric chairlift installed at his country home in Highgrove, Gloucestershire.
The private event was attended by the queen, her husband Prince Philip and more than 400 European royalty, friends and members of the Charles's charitable organisations.
It will be followed by an informal party thrown on Saturday by Camilla, with rock star Rod Stewart performing.
The celebrations kicked-off on Wednesday with a comedy night at a southwest London theatre, 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 the queen, who remains on the throne at 82 years old and shows few signs of slowing down.
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."
- SAPA