LONDON — Talk about an apprentice. By the time he turns 60 today, Prince Charles will have spent a lifetime in line to become king.
That’s put him in quite a bind. The longest-waiting heir in British history ascends to the throne only when his beloved mother dies or decides to step down.
Queen Elizabeth II hosted a birthday party for her son Thursday at Buckingham Palace. The Philharmonia Orchestra, of which the prince is patron, played for invited members of his extended family, European royalty and assorted society figures.
His sons William and Harry addressed the guests, describing Charles as an inspiration — but also poking fun, joking that an electric stair lift would be installed at his country home in Gloucestershire.
Charles’ wife, Camilla, is to throw a more private bash Saturday at the prince’s rural estate, complete with a performance by sexagenarian rocker Rod Stewart.
But the queen won’t be giving Charles the present many believe he craves most — the crown. The queen has indicated informally that she plans to keep the job for life, and some people think the 82-year-old monarch intends to live forever, or at least as long as her mother, who died at 101.
“It can’t be easy,” said historian Andrew Roberts. “Most of us can look forward to our new jobs, but the circumstances under which her reign comes to an end means that he can’t, emotionally and psychologically.”
If the queen remains in good health, Charles may be past 80 when he fulfills the destiny that was his at birth.
Britain’s next-longest monarch-in-waiting was Queen Victoria’s eldest son, who became King Edward VII in 1901, aged just over 59 years and two months.
But shed no tears for old Charles and his predicament. He has made being Prince of Wales a pretty good thing.
Experts, associates and friends say he realized decades ago that he would make his mark as Prince of Wales rather than as an octogenarian king.
Roberts said Charles has transformed the traditionally weak role of Prince of Wales — which the historian compared to the vice presidency of the United States — by using it as a bully pulpit.
“He’s made a real job of it,” Roberts said. “He’s spoken out on what matters most to him, championing organic food, pursuing better relations between the Islamic world and other faiths, and starting the Prince’s Trust, which has helped many young people in trouble.”
