Royal Watch News

Prince Charles speaks of impatience

Nov 26, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles has joked he'll have 'snuffed it' before he becomes king.

The 64-year-old prince - the longest-waiting heir to the throne in British history - admitted he feels 'impatient' to get things done.

Joking about the way he pursues his pet projects, he said: 'Impatient? Me? What a thing to suggest! Yes, of course I am.

'I'll run out of time soon. I shall have snuffed it if I'm not careful.'

Royal experts believe Charles is struggling with a 'burden' of knowing what to do with his life.

Professor Robert Hazell, director of University College London's constitution unit, said: 'He is an age when most people are starting to contemplate retirement, yet he's not actually started the job he has spent his adult life preparing for. That is burdensome.'

However, his biographer Penny Junor believes he feels 'fulfilled' with his various endeavours, including his conservation work.

She said: 'He is impatient, but when he becomes king, his activities and all the projects he most enjoys where he can make a difference will be seriously curtailed.

'He has spent an awful lot of his life searching for a role but I think he does now feel fulfilled pursuing his various interests.'