London, Jan 27: Prince Charles on Sunday got the dubious
distinction of being Britain`s longest serving
`King-in-waiting` at 59 years and 74 days, surpassing the age
of Edward VII when he succeeded Queen Victoria to the throne
in 1901.
Charles officially became heir apparent at the age of 3
in 1952 when his grandfather George VI died and his
mother, Elizabeth II, became the Queen.
Quoting a former aide, `The Sunday Times` reported
"Charles realised long ago that he would spend most of his
life as heir, not as King. His is a family marked by longevity
and his mother is in good health.
"He has made the most of it. He has enjoyed more
freedom than if he had been King and achieved a tremendous
amount in terms of charity and public life."
Last month, the Queen surpassed her
great-great-grandmother Victoria as Britain`s oldest serving
monarch.
Elizabeth II, now 81, is one of five Kings or Queens
since the 1066 Norman Conquest to reign for more than half a
century.
Bureau Report
