Don’t put that picture of me on the coins!

result, because both portraits showed his thinning hair and made him look every year of his age. Back to the drawing board: he demanded another version that, this time, would make him look considerably younger, with a full head of hair. The revised portrait was more satisfactory. He was less pleased when the Mint suggested that it should also prepare portraits for King William. That, Charles decreed, was pushing fate too far.

HIS mother may still be on the throne, but Prince Charles has been brooding about how his profile will look one day on Britain’s coinage. At his request, the Royal Mint set to work on a portrait. Should it be the right side of his face — as dictated by...