Prince Charles can look back with pride

For most people, a 70th birthday is a chance to reflect on a lifetime of achievement. Retirement has most likely arrived, as has the opportunity to slow down. For the Prince of Wales, who turns 70 today, slowing down is not an option because his destiny is yet to be fulfilled. Prince Charles is nevertheless entitled to take great pride in his achievements thus far. Last year he became the longest-serving Prince of Wales, taking the record from Edward VII, and he has not squandered the opportunities for public service the position offers. His charitable endeavours have been extraordinary. Most notably, the Prince’s Trust, which he founded in 1976, does brilliant work helping disadvantaged youngsters gain employment. He is the cornerstone of countless other good causes too, with his charities raising more than £100 million annually.

The last few years have taken on extra significance for the Prince as he has begun to assume some of the Queen’s more onerous responsibilities, including overseas engagements. This he has managed seamlessly. It was an important moment, both for the Prince and for the nation, when he was confirmed as the next head of the Commonwealth earlier this year.

In the past, the Prince has occasionally given the impression of struggling with the limits of his role and has attracted accusations of unwarranted political interference for writing letters to ministers on subjects close to his heart. Such criticisms were always overwrought. It is to the Prince’s credit that he possesses a depth of feeling on issues that were for a long time considered to be unfashionable. He was decades ahead of his time on the dangers of plastic pollution and his views on everything from architecture to the countryside will be shared by many Telegraph readers. In any case, in a BBC documentary released last week, he accepted that his ability to speak freely will be curtailed when he becomes sovereign.

Among the tributes of the past few weeks, some of the most touching have come from the Prince’s family. In his second marriage, he has found the happiness that eluded him in his first, and the delight he takes in his children and grandchildren is obvious. Perhaps as a consequence, the Prince appears more comfortable than ever with his lot, and the country has grown to like and respect him. The Duke of Cambridge spoke recently of his pride in his father’s achievements. We thank him too.