Many happy returns to man with a mission - and not a second to waste

IN THE autumn of his years but the infancy of his reign, at 75 the King stands at the precipice of history.

- Robert Jobson

A man of vision, who spent decades preparing for his role, he knows that his moment in the sun will be brief compared with his late mother Queen Elizabeth.

In the corridors of Dumfries House in Ayrshire, he confided to me that he knew that he had no time to waste. He revealed that the peace he had found painting watercolours had already become a luxury of a life past. He was thus relinquishing his joy for the crown and duty. The King finds himself a monarch in a world embroiled in conflicts that sprawl from Europe to the Middle East, a world that demands of him not just the stoicism of a sovereign but the sagacity of a statesman.

The King understands the delicate balance required. In his constitutional role, he treads a fine line — never partisan, his influence subtle yet profound. His efforts this month as he engages with Arab leaders in clandestine talks over a road map for peace are an endeavour rooted in his long-standing relations with the region’s royals — relationships that might now forge a path to concord.

The King always knew that as heir to Elizabeth, he would only have a finite period as monarch to make his mark on history. It is hoped his ties to Arab royalty in the region might help boost diplomatic initiatives and palace sources have confirmed he will hold bilateral discussions in Dubai to coincide with the UN'S COP28 summit.

It is understood the meetings will take place ahead of the climate change conference, beginning on November 30, where the King will deliver an opening address.