NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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 three hundred years. This vivid, eye-opening … more than three hundred 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.
Praise for Prince Charles
“[Smith] understands the British upper classes and aristocracy (including the royals) very well indeed. . . . [She] makes many telling, shrewd points in pursuit of realigning the popular image of Prince Charles.”—William Boyd, The New York Times Book Review
“[A] masterly account.”—The Wall Street Journal
“Thoroughly researched and insightful . . . In this profile, it is clear [Smith] got inside the circular barriers that protect the man and his position. The Charles that emerges is, as the subtitle suggests, both a paradox and a creature of his passions.”—The Washington Times
“[A] compellingly juicy bio . . . Windsor-philes will be mesmerized.”—People
“Prince Charles paints an affectingly human portrait. . . . Smith writes about [Charles’s life] with a skill and sympathy she perfected in her 2012 biography of Charles’s mother.”—The Christian Science Monitor
“Comprehensive and admirably fair . . . Until his accession to the throne, Smith’s portrait will stand as the definitive study.”—Booklist (starred review)
“[A] fascinating book that is not just about a man who would be king, but also about the duties that come with privilege.”—Walter Isaacson
“Sally Bedell Smith has given us a complete and compelling portrait of the man in the shadow of the throne. It’s all here, from the back stairs of the palaces to the front pages of the tabs.”—Tom Brokaw
more
Sally Bedell Smith has turned her attention to Prince Charles. While not an authorized biography, she nevertheless had the inside scoop through many interviews. This book was wonderful in that it finally showed more substance to Prince Charles than what we’ve seen in the press. Informative, witty, and at times even funny, the biography let us glimpse a bit into the life of the heir to the throne. It was an interesting read.
I read Diana’s story and thought I should read Charles “side” too.
This was pretty boring but also enlightening into his character. It shows what an a$$ he is and why he should Not be king.
Lots of people, places and a bit of a whiney “boy” and all that he does.
Well researched and written…interesting information that I did not know previously.
A bi wordy in parts, but overall very worth reading.
I learned a lot about Princess Di. I also learned more than I wanted to know about Prince Charles. I felt the book was overly long and quite boring at times.
A well-written book that chronicles the life and times of Prince Charles. Interesting look at his background and upbringing.
I read this book because I’m fascinated with the royal family, but Prince Charles was always low on my list of favorite royals. After reading this book, I feel I gained a greater understanding of why he is the way he is, and perhaps I’ve even felt a little sorry for him in some regards. I gained insight into his rocky relationship with his parents, his tragic marriage to Diana, his strong love for his sons, and his awkward and powerful connection to Camilla. This read provides a lot of answers and insight into this misunderstood future king.
Great information on Charles and the “Royal’s in general.
Interesting details – some I hadn’t heard before.
Fascinating account of Prince Charles’s life and work. A determined and hard working environmentalist, a gifted artist and humanitarian, the Prince has dedicated his life to admirable causes. This fascinating book details his career. I had no idea of his work and enjoyed learning about it.
If you’re curious about the heir to the British throne, this is a well-researched and informative read!
Great information on what i t would b like to be a member of the royal family. Not fun to be in the public ye all the time. Well written.
I thought well written, brings out many of the Prince’s characteristics.
A great read. The story is presented in an easy to read manner. This author is great
i enjoyed this. I have read a number of books about Diana, and it was refreshing to read one about Charles.
I learned a lot about the Royal Family, and Prince Charles. The history was so interesting.
Gave a different perspective on Charles .
Good factional book – well written
Didn’t like the way Charles parents belittled him
Charles’ school days were interesting but the biography got dull after Charles grew up and got dull himself.