Editorial Content for Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Prince Charles has lived at the edge of history his entire life. He was born to be king. Much has been written about him: his privileged but lonely childhood, his schooling and military service, his polo playing, his ill-fated marriage to Diana, his connection to Camilla, and his tendency to speak his mind. Yet Charles remains an enigma. And he waits as his mother the Queen, who turns 91 this month, is still firmly on the throne.
The world has been watching Charles and wondering who he really is behind the castle walls and out of the glare of the tabloid headlines. Sally Bedell Smith’s richly researched biography attempts to answer all questions that could possibly arise about this readily recognized royal.
"History buffs and royal watchers certainly will find much to interest them in this detailed and revealing behind-the-scenes look at 'The Firm,' the family business that is the monarchy."
Charles has spent his life trying to be relevant and to be taken seriously in his own right. He heads several successful charities to which he has given considerable time and energy. He is adept at fundraising for his many causes. He is a tireless traveler who has many interests. He speaks frankly and passionately about things that interest him, for example, the environment. At times he has been his own worst enemy, showing a somewhat gloomy nature and giving the tabloids a wealth of circumstances to mine.
Although Charles has recently taken over some of his mother's previous responsibilities, especially public appearances involving much travel, the Queen has no plans to abdicate. This leaves Charles in the same position as earlier in his life --- a man on the sidelines, waiting his turn to be called into the game --- and yet he is already a senior citizen. Thus Charles continues to pursue his many interests --- including, but not limited to, painting watercolors, organic farming, traditional architecture, alternative health therapies, the environment and Eastern religions. He is finally settled in marriage to Camilla, and with his sons grown, much of the drama of his earlier years is behind him. Most of the spotlight is on either his mother or his oldest son, who someday will be king.
PRINCE CHARLES captures the ups and downs, and the trials and tribulations, of this quirky, frequently misunderstood prince who someday will occupy the throne. The book contains a great deal of information about the entire royal family. History buffs and royal watchers certainly will find much to interest them in this detailed and revealing behind-the-scenes look at "The Firm," the family business that is the monarchy.
Teaser
Sally Bedell Smith returns once again to the British royal family to give us a new look at Prince Charles, the oldest heir to the throne in more than 300 years. This biography --- the product of four years of research and hundreds of interviews with palace officials, former girlfriends, spiritual gurus and more, some speaking on the record for the first time --- is the first authoritative treatment of Charles’ life that sheds light on the death of Diana, his marriage to Camilla, and his preparations to take the throne one day. PRINCE CHARLES brings to life the real man, with all of his ambitions, insecurities and convictions.
Promo
Sally Bedell Smith returns once again to the British royal family to give us a new look at Prince Charles, the oldest heir to the throne in more than 300 years. This biography --- the product of four years of research and hundreds of interviews with palace officials, former girlfriends, spiritual gurus and more, some speaking on the record for the first time --- is the first authoritative treatment of Charles’ life that sheds light on the death of Diana, his marriage to Camilla, and his preparations to take the throne one day. PRINCE CHARLES brings to life the real man, with all of his ambitions, insecurities and convictions.
About the Book
The life and loves of Prince Charles are illuminated in a major new biography from the New York Times bestselling author of ELIZABETH THE QUEEN --- perfect for fans of "The Crown."
Sally Bedell Smith returns once again to the British royal family to give us a new look at Prince Charles, the oldest heir to the throne in more than 300 years. This vivid, eye-opening biography --- the product of four years of research and hundreds of interviews with palace officials, former girlfriends, spiritual gurus and more, some speaking on the record for the first time --- is the first authoritative treatment of Charles’s life that sheds light on the death of Diana, his marriage to Camilla, and his preparations to take the throne one day.
PRINCE CHARLES brings to life the real man, with all of his ambitions, insecurities and convictions. It begins with his lonely childhood, in which he struggled to live up to his father’s expectations and sought companionship from the Queen Mother and his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten. It follows him through difficult years at school, his early love affairs, his intellectual quests, his entrepreneurial pursuits, and his intense search for spiritual meaning. It tells of the tragedy of his marriage to Diana; his eventual reunion with his true love, Camilla; and his relationships with William, Kate, Harry and his grandchildren.
Ranging from his glamorous palaces to his country homes, from his globe-trotting travels to his local initiatives, Smith shows how Prince Charles possesses a fiercely independent spirit and yet has spent more than six decades waiting for his destined role, living a life dictated by protocols he often struggles to obey. With keen insight and the discovery of unexpected new details, Smith lays bare the contradictions of a man who is more complicated, tragic and compelling than we knew, until now.
Audiobook available, read by Rosalyn Landor
