Prince Of Preparation - The Real Charles

As He Turns 70, We Go Inside The Private World Of The King-in-waiting.

- Judy Kean

He’s reached an age when most of his peers have closed the door on their careers and are enjoying not having to work anymore.

But Prince Charles, who turns 70 this week, is yet to take on the role he has been destined for his entire life.

He’s in a tricky position – he’s itching to become a monarch because there are so many things he wants to achieve. But stepping into the top job will sadly mean he’ll have lost his mother, the Queen (92).

While some people may think that waiting for so long to be king has been a waste of many years, it’s not as if Charles has been sitting about twiddling his thumbs. He dedicates his life to royal duties and shows no sign of easing up even though he’s entering his eighth decade. In fact, with the retirement of his father, Prince Philip (97), and with his mother handing over more and more of her responsibilities, he’s taken on even more work.

Charles works a seven-day week, usually starting at 9am and often not finishing until after midnight, say palace staff. He is one of the hardest working members of the royal family, last year carrying out 546 engagements in the UK and overseas. Plus, he is believed to have held around 500 meetings behind the scenes on top of those engagements.

A former aide says staff are in awe of how much he does.

“He’s phenomenally hardworking,” says the former employee, who once got a work-related call from Charles on Christmas Day. Those who know him say Charles is so diligent with his duties because he cares, he’s curious and he wants to make a difference.

His sons admire their dad’s determination to get people to do something about issues such as our endangered environment.