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Monday heralds the 82nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. However, more than six
months before the big day, it is the 60th birthday of her son and
heir which is focusing the minds of those inside Buckingham Palace.
The photographs, some of which are in reality similar to those published on
past occasions, show the young prince at Balmoral Castle and aboard the Royal
Yacht Britannia.
Highlighting that this was no ordinary boy with ordinary toys, the book offers readers
an insight into some of the items which were cherished by a child who truly did
have it all...even down to his own miniature Sunbeam Coupe car.
Even a block of coloured bricks incorporate the name of their royal owner,
the side of the train reading 'Prince Charles Express'.
A letter from the Royal Archives shows that, even at the age of five,
Charles Philip Arthur George was keen to have the approval of the woman who
many feel was the greatest love of his life: his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth
The Queen Mother.
Writing on headed notepaper on April 21st 1954 – the day his mother
celebrated her 28th birthday – Prince Charles wrote to 'granny'
asking about her recent visit aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia on its maiden
voyage.
The short note reads: ‘Dear Granny, Did you like coming on board this ship?
Love Charles’.
As you can see in a selection of seven images released by the Royal
Collection, as documented over the coming pages, the message ends with
lots
of kisses.
