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Charles: A biography
A biography on the occasion of the prince's fiftieth birthday. A portrait of the divorced prince, now a widower, facing a choice between his children, the love of his live and the throne, or by trying to have all three. threatening the future of the monarchy. Offers an insight into the Prince's perspective on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
4 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Holden
93 books22 followersAnthony Holden is an English writer, broadcaster and critic, particularly known as a biographer of artists.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 30, 2024
A somewhat older biography about Charles, in those days still the Prince of Wales. The book dates from 1988 and was published on the occasion of Charles' fortieth birthday. In the meantime, the findings in the book are of course all outdated. That is the way it is with older books. Nevertheless, it remains interesting to read the old books as well. Because who knows, you might find that one little bit that you still knew. Sometimes it can be in the small details....
The Prince of Wales was one of the most famous, but least understood, figures of our time. Anthony Holden's book, after ten years of 'Charles-watching', gives a clear and fascinating view of the man, his life and his time. However, this honest description was not appreciated by Charles and their relationship has cooled down, to put it that way.
The book gives an insight into his youth, which was certainly not easy, it became clear to him early on what was expected of him. Add to that his sensitivity and the frequent absence of his mother Queen Elizabeth II due to her work. And what about a father who, as they say, ruled the family with a somewhat iron fist. Philip absolutely could not stand Charles' sensitivity.
In addition to his youth, we read a lot in the book about the activities of the then Prince of Wales, his charities, his convictions and of course not to forget his search for a suitable wife and later his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer. In this book from 1988 it already becomes clear that their marriage was not going well.
Now that we are talking about Princess Diana... as soon as she appears in this book, the author digresses a bit. By that I mean that it seems as if the focus is no longer on Charles but on Diana. That is a pity in a biography about Charles.
In summary: A good book on the occasion of Charles' fortieth birthday. Good information about a quiet boy/man who was burdened by the role that was assigned to him. A nice addition to the collection.
The Prince of Wales was one of the most famous, but least understood, figures of our time. Anthony Holden's book, after ten years of 'Charles-watching', gives a clear and fascinating view of the man, his life and his time. However, this honest description was not appreciated by Charles and their relationship has cooled down, to put it that way.
The book gives an insight into his youth, which was certainly not easy, it became clear to him early on what was expected of him. Add to that his sensitivity and the frequent absence of his mother Queen Elizabeth II due to her work. And what about a father who, as they say, ruled the family with a somewhat iron fist. Philip absolutely could not stand Charles' sensitivity.
In addition to his youth, we read a lot in the book about the activities of the then Prince of Wales, his charities, his convictions and of course not to forget his search for a suitable wife and later his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer. In this book from 1988 it already becomes clear that their marriage was not going well.
Now that we are talking about Princess Diana... as soon as she appears in this book, the author digresses a bit. By that I mean that it seems as if the focus is no longer on Charles but on Diana. That is a pity in a biography about Charles.
In summary: A good book on the occasion of Charles' fortieth birthday. Good information about a quiet boy/man who was burdened by the role that was assigned to him. A nice addition to the collection.
Displaying 1 of 1 review