Prince Charles is 70 today.
Charles and I have grown up together. Ever since my mother first bought me National Savings stamps featuring his portrait, I have lived in parallel to him; without us ever meeting.
To me he has simply been the 'heir to the throne'; a role adopted by accident of birth, that cannot have been his natural choice.
He, along with his sister, are possibly the hardest working members of the royal family. He has several appointments every day, several changes of dress, and often works well into the night on official matters.
He has managed to avoid repeating the unfortunate gaffs of his father, yet has inherited the regal bearing of his mother. He has learnt the job without complaining; at least, not in public.
His legendary love of nature, and tireless campaigning against all things polluting, brought him much criticism and ridicule from his urban detractors, but most now understand the importance of his life-long concern, and even campaign alongside.
I like Charles. A friend of mine who was at school with him always described him as 'charming', as do those I know, who have met him briefly on official duties. I don't think there is any question that he will make an excellent head of state.
So, I wish you a very Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness, and may you enjoy many more. Cro x
38 comments:
I have nothing but respect for Charles. He is a man that cares.
And just in case he reads your blog, Cro
.....
Happy birthday,sir! 😀
I think he has stood at the side lines far too long now and should inherit the throne. So Happy Birthday Charles and keep on fighting for the environment.
I couldn't agree more with what you've said. Charles & Camilla seem to be very well suited.
He does, I'm sure of it.
His Mum has always said that she would never abdicate, so it makes it difficult.
Absolutely, and I must say that Camilla behaves much more correctly for a consort. No permanent headline grabbing.
I watched his birthday tribute concert/party last night from the Royal Albert Hall. Comedians and Magicians and people who are ambassadors for the Princes Trust. They said how many organisations he is patron of - I think over 400. He seemed to be hugely enjoying the entertainment. A good bloke.
Many Happy Returns of the day Charles ..... I have always liked him and felt so sorry for him as a young boy when he was sent to Gordonstoun.... I think that Philip wanted him to be someone he wasn't. He came across so well in his 70th birthday documentary and it has taken many years for him to be shown he is eight about all things environmental .... I think that he has finally found happiness with Camilla and should have married her years ago. XXXX
So disappointed that you haven't met him Cro. I too have admired him for his outspokenness on various issues. I rather think he may think the same thoughts as Prince Phillip, but does not verbalise them. I too like that he found his soulmate Camilla, well a bit more than that remembering the exposures from years ago. Her Maj is clearly winding down and she should give Charles the gig sooner rather than later.
Yes. I like him and his wife. What the future holds for him we cannot say but very Happy Birthday. Our Flag is up and out today.
That's right not eight !!! XXXX
He's a workaholic. He never turns down an official function.
My friend who was with him at Gordonstoun said he was quite badly treated by the other boys. My friend tried to befriend him but didn't like to get too close for fear of the others. It was all rather disgraceful, but he kept his calm.
Well, he hasn't met me either; I don't know which is worse!
Good for you. If I had a flagpole....
How has it been shown he is right about all things environmental?
I like Charles. Good bloke and I am glad he is married to Camilla. Always had to keep his mouth shut about Diana and he has. He works hard and he has spirit. Happy Birthday.
He made a long speech about plastic and it's danger to the environment in the 1970's and was laughed at, as one example. XXXX
That's him in a nutshell. Good chap.
I remember his boys saying that on the programme. Well that's not everything! Xxx
OK ... fair enough but he has always been mocked for his stance on trying to save the environment ... he made another speech in 2009 .... he told an audience of industrialists and environmentalists that the age of convenience was over ... I thought he was well known for how much he cared for the environment and has spoken about it for years but, correct me if I'm wrong ? XXXX
I think he is OK. Should never have married Diana, though we wouldn't have William and Harry if not! Pleased that he is finally happy with Camilla.. I remember those National Savings stamps.....there was a lower value one with Princess Anne on it, aged about 3, with a halo of blonde hair!
Oh, alright then yes, as it's his birthday and as it's you! He is certainly well known for his care for the environment. I'll not argue with that and I do like him, (and you!) xxxx
Its OK Rachel .... we are allowed to debate it !!!!!This is why I tend not to get involved with issues as I don't want to fall out with anyone .... love you !!! XXXX
That's it. We had a lady who called at the house every Saturday (I think), and my mother bought the stamps for our books. Those two portraits of Charles and Anne were very much a part of my own childhood.
Bath Abbey played 'Happy Birthday To You' on its ancient peal of 10 bells. I thought that was a bit common...
Oh, and I (partly) made him a birthday present from one of his titled mates a few years ago. I am sure it now languishes in a shed in Highgrove's garden with all the other unwanted junk.
Steady on Jackie! xxxx
I have nothing but admiration for him. You have only to hear his two sons speak of him with such love to know what kind of a man he is. It is good to see him happy after those early years of married life to Diana when he kept his mouth shut and soldiered on. A Very Happy Birthday Sir.
One has to wonder what happens to all those (unwanted) gifts. They must receive piles of them; mostly probably from children.
I have to agree with all of what you've said.
Totally agree with every word you have said. I also have great admiration for him. Happy Birthday, your Royal Highness.
Margaret P
Good; I'm sure his fans greatly outnumber his detractors, but why he should have any detractors at all, I have no idea.
Charles and Camilla visited Berkeley and Marin Co., CA. just over ten years ago. From what I recall, the reason for his visit was his interest in organic farming. I think he and Alice Waters, of Chez Panisse fame, had a pow-wow of sorts.
Nobody is perfect. But then Charles isn't a nobody. We're aging well together. I met him once but I should have met him twice. The second time he didn't turn up. We made do with a drop of rum. And left after waiting an hour. He'd been detained at the polo. Bottoms up, Charlie!
Those that are not given away are put in a shed. I was not making it up. I know someone who bought one from him. It was a present from Diana.
He's always been a big advocate of Organic farming. Now it's the norm (almost), but when he first started singing its praises, he was ridiculed by the anti-royalists.
Priorities man! Polo always comes first; I'm surprised you weren't aware of this.
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