Stars gather for Prince Charles

2008-11-16 11:03

London - Britain's Prince Charles continued his 60th birthday celebrations on Saturday with a star-studded dinner at his country retreat, where he was serenaded by rocker Rod Stewart.

The heir to the throne was entertained at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, southwest England, at a bash thrown by his second wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Among those attending were "Mr Bean" comedian Rowan Atkinson, while other acting luminaries included Oscar-winner Judi Dench and Joanna Lumley.

Stewart, 63, is an ambassador for Charles's Prince's Trust charity.

Saturday was yet another night of celebrations for the prince, following a comedy show on Wednesday and a black-tie gala dinner thrown by Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday attended by more than 400 friends including European royalty.

'An inspiration'

He spent his actual birthday on Friday in London meeting young people at projects led by the Prince's Trust and attending the Royal Opera House. The day was also marked by traditional gun salutes.

Others joining in the Highgrove party included interviewer David Frost, Winston Churchill's lawmaker grandson Nicholas Soames and Camilla's first husband Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles.

Charles's children Princes William and Harry are thought to have stayed overnight at Highgrove and their respective girlfriends Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy were also thought to have made an appearance.

William and Harry said Thursday that their father was "an inspiration to us and so many others."

Princess Diana's sons also joked that because of their father's age, they were having an electric chairlift installed at Highgrove.

The celebrations kicked-off Wednesday with a comedy night at a southwest London theatre, with stars including Atkinson, Robin Williams and Monty Python veteran John Cleese.

Asked if he enjoyed his role during a BBC television documentary marking his 60th birthday, Charles 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 by his wait to become king, noting he has found personal happiness after marrying long-time companion Camilla in 2005 and focusing on his extensive charity work.

- AFP