While I enjoyed this book, I also treated it the same way I do celebrity biographies, which is to say, I didn't take it too seriously. Sally Bedell Smith has a pleasant narrative style, which makes this a easy and interesting read.

I remember watching the Royal wedding when I was 5…a real Prince and Princess. That is where my love of Diana began. I knew nothing of the Royal Family and as a child, Prince Charles was always nothing more than Princess Diana’s husband to me. Sally Bedell Smith's book provides an interesting and detailed account of the prince's childhood up to the present day including some very detailed stories about his private life. As an adult and after reading this book, I came to admire his dedication to the environment and climate change and how he used his position of power to push forth that important agenda, as well as his other charitable works.

Growing up a Diana fan, I was always felt the way he treated Diana (at least from the public view) was poor and I viewed him very negatively because of it. While, it was a messy relationship, what this book did was shed some light on Charles’ side. It makes it clear that he felt pressure to marry quickly, to a young woman with whom he seemed poorly matched.

Overall, this book paints Prince Charles as a more sensitive and thoughtful person than the media has portrayed.

A very insightful exploration of Prince Charles’ life and personality. Even if you’re an avid reader of Royal biographies, there is a lot of new information. I still come back to these quotes:
“Despite accusations of hypocrisy, he refused to reconcile his personal habits with the standards he sought to impose on others...”
“Butler told an early biographer of Charles’s, Anthony Holden, that he considered Charles “talented—which is a different word from clever, and a different word from bright.”
“He now regarded his own instincts as revealed truths superior to those of professionals and experts. That belief would play out in his critiques of establishment viewpoints—in architecture, medicine, and agriculture, among other fields...”
“Rab Butler had little use for interruptions in Charles’s course of studies for royal duties. “Balcony jobs,” the master of Trinity called them, a reference to the family’s ritual appearances on the balcony at Buckingham Palace...”
“The Queen enjoyed Camilla’s company and welcomed her to her homes. Camilla’s “warmth, her lack of ambition or guile, her good humour and her gentleness endeared her to the household,” Dimbleby wrote. “The Prince had come to regard her as his best friend, in whom, more than any other, he could totally confide...”
“His ironclad positions on a range of issues were largely based on his intuition. With each passing year, his faith in these original instincts only deepened. “He hasn’t changed really much at all,” said a man who knew him for decades. “There is exactly the same uncertainty and lack of confidence. But he affects confidence a lot. He can be pig headed. He knows he needs to be more confident and will stick to something come hell or high water.””
“James Lees-Milne, who spent an evening at Highgrove in the autumn of 1996, was touched by the prince’s sweetness: “heart bang in the right place, earnest about his charities” but “writhes in misery at the destruction of the world.” The diarist concluded that Charles was “not very clever” and opened himself to criticism by antagonizing “intellectuals and specialists in fields of which he can inevitably have only superficial knowledge.” His verdict—“a figure of tragedy with abundant charm”—encapsulated the fate of the lonely schoolboy with the cold upbringing who married the wrong woman and spent a lifetime waiting for his ultimate role, who tried so hard while being constantly misunderstood.”

I'm grateful to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I regret it took me so long to read it.

I've been watching The Crown and after seeing what looked to be a sympathetic look at Charles take a down turn with the appearance of Camilla and Diana, I had to do some reading and try and see the truth of the matter. First I read Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton. I think Netflix followed this author pretty closely. I had always like Diana and both Morton and Netflix did nothing to change my mind.

Then, knowing there are two sides to every story, I read this book. The whole Charles, Camilla and Diana story may not be quite the way The Crown portrays it. I don't want to get into spoilers, but I'm glad I read this for a different view. Also, keep in mind that in any dialog of troubles, there is his truth, her truth and then what really happened, or the true truth. I don't think any of us can know that but I find it interesting that the two authors I read came down so oppositely on the issue. Almost a hagiography of each of their subjects.

That being said, there is more to Charles than his women. This book goes into his schooling and military history, his many, many charitable functions and his personality. I'm glad I don't work for the man, but he IS a complex person.

While I was reading this Prince Phillip passed away and so I found myself wondering very much how Charles was doing in with this sad time.

I deeply appreciated the opportunity to read and review this book. I'll be using it's contents in my teaching and will make sure to keep an eye out for more works from this author and publisher.

This was a well written look at the future king of the United Kingdom. I feel I am fairly familiar with Charles and the British monarchy so this book was kind of a refresher for me. Charles is complex and his life has many angles. Ms. Bedell Smith is an excellent writer and takes Charles’ story to a very readable level.

**I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

A completely intriguing look at one of the most interesting living royals today. Prince Charles is so often ridiculed for his opinions about the world, or reduced to a player in the War of the Waleses, but this biography demonstrates why he will be a fascinating monarch when he eventually ascends to the throne. Great detail and balanced view of the subject. Recommended.

Rarely have I finished a non-fiction book like this. The prose was fluid and interesting, pulling me forth into the next chapter. Her insights were astute, honest, uncompromising, and intriguing. I would absolutely read another of Bedell Smith's biographies.

A carefully researched story of one of the most notable people in the world. I came in with a preconceived notion of Prince Charles, mostly from the tabloids im sad to say, but this book humanizes him and makes him relatable to us non-royals. A splendid read

Having read her previous work, I was surprised at the level of overt support for HRH. I seemed to me to overstep the line as an historian. Not that we can't have opinions, but the tone, use of language, and what amounted to obvious dislike for the last P of W, detracted from the analysis of the role of HRH within The Firm and British history.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this book.

While this was an interesting read, I have mixed emotions about the book. I had a lot of time to contemplate it since it took days to read. It was entirely too long dwelling at great length on Charles' activities promoting the environment and his thoughts on architecture. The author is obvious in her dislike for Diana. She spent very little time discussing her death and its effect on Charles and the boys. She obviously is a supporter of Camilla for queen. I rather liked seeing a favorable portrayal of Camilla. I think I would like her. She seems to be one of the few with her head tacked on straight.
William and Harry seemed to have reached adulthood with a lot more sense and an ability to relate to the people than one might expect. But truly.....who knows. I don't trust the book to have given an accurate portrayal of any of the family.

To me the book serves as a great argument against the monarchy. The expenditures of the royal family are set forth in detail. Such amazing excess. While I love pomp and ceremony and tradition, it certainly comes at great cost.

Created a three dimensional portrait of Prince Charles

While I have always been fascinated by the British royal family, I found some of the lengthy details boring in this book about the future king of England Prince Charles. He seems to have a propensity for irritating the parliament and World Leaders with his unusual stances on important issues. He rocked the world when he married Lady Diana Spencer and then he further shocked the world when he continued an affair with then married Camilla Parker-Bowles and divorced Princess Diana. Surprisingly, the world seems to have accepted his marriage to Camilla even though there was much initial protest concerning the union between the two divorced middle-aged Charles and Camilla.
I must state that I was and still am a huge fan of Princess Diana and I still feel that Prince Charles never loved her and only married her because of her purity and his need to produce an heir to the throne. I believe that Diana was madly in love with him however, and suffered a broken heart which then led to several of her own affairs. I woke at 5 a.m. to watch their wedding. I did the same to mourn along with millions as she was laid to rest with her two precious sons walking behind the cortege with Prince Charles by their side. I did have great respect for Prince Charles in the way he conducted himself at Diana's tragic death....traveling to return her body home, planning her funeral, and publicly showing his grief and supporting their sons. My feelings of affection for Diana and distaste for Camilla likely colored my appreciation of this book, but the writing was impeccable even if a bit tedious at times.
I am giving a four-star rating to this book. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy reading biographies as I do.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Random House to read. I was encouraged, but not required to write a review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A fascinating look at Prince Charles the man who would be king. Charles often is skipped over due to the popularity of the Queen , Princess Diana and now his sons. I can't imaging what it must be like to be groomed for a job your whole life . This book offers a complete portrait of Charles flaws and all. I enjoyed learning more about this complicated man and ending up liking him very much

This is the definitive book about Prince Charles. The author has insight into the early years , his marriage to Diana and Camilla and his current role. The role he plays in the monarchy is well defined here. This book is epic in scope and a masterpiece of royal life. The writing is masterful and pleasing to read. I was absolutely entranced from page one.
This is the book for all interested in the Monarchy and Prince Charles. The author has done extensive research and presented the book in a format of subjects that is interesting and fun to read. As Charles becomes King soon this will provide background every royal watcher seeks. A very well done Book meticulously documented. Excellence in writing and presentation.
I appreciate the opportunity to review this book .

I was lucky enough that I got a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange of a review, which I am happy to provide. I have to admit I am a bit obsessed about the Royal Family, but I really did not know very much about Prince Charles other than what I picked up in the news about him, I have always greatly admired Princess Diana, so I thought it was time that I learned a bit more about him. First off this book was a lot bigger than I thought and it took me some time to get through it, though it was never boring, but it went into great detail about each aspect of his life. You get glimpses of his married life with Diana, his point of view of course, and of William, Kate and Harry. There were parts that made me like him more and then parts that did not endear him so much to me, but overall very entertaining and informative. I am glad I read it.

A biography of Charles looking beyond the drama that was his first marriage that instead tries to explain why he is the way he is. Charles was born at a time when he should have been a product of the '60s/Baby Boomer generation. Instead, because of who he was, he led a life more suited to someone who was born decades earlier. Old fashioned attitude in a modern world makes for a paradox in itself. Always trying to maintain appearances and do what was expected rather than being able to have the freedom to discover who he really was and even make some bad decisions in his youth. I came to think that his life was meticulously planned out by everyone - except him. In trying to reconcile those differences, he comes across as aloof, unfeeling, etc. In fact, he is probably more complex than anyone could know.

While not groundbreaking by any means, this was an interesting biography of someone more suited to the generation of his grandparents who is trying to make a difference how he can.

Sally Bedell Smith has written a well researched and balanced look at the life of Prince Charles and the monarchy. The writing of Charles comes off as very non-biased with his strengths and weaknesses on full display from his behind the scenes nature to his public sometimes controversial persona.

The take on Diana comes off as extremely negative - a spoiled, flighty, deeply disturbed woman with no redeeming characteristics. It is tough to read and comes off more mean than expected. Conversely the writings on Camilla are overwhelmingly positive with her cast as the perfect woman with no faults and no failings. I was left wondering whether the author had a personal relationship with the woman or her close friends.

There is a lot to learn in this book about the behind the scenes of Charles' life and his wait for the throne.

Superb biography. In-depth and fascinating. Loved reading this book.

A big thank you to Sally Bedell Smith, Random House, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Prince Charles was born into an unaffectionate, cold, austere environment, isolated from his parents who were busy with diplomatic functions. If it weren't for the Queen Mother and "Dickie" Mountbatten, he probably wouldn't have experienced familial comfort in childhood. School was one bullish event after another, where he failed to excel at any " manly pursuits" to impress his father, Prince Phillip. He did, however, fall under the spell of art and classical music and well as polo.

He became the first heir to the throne to achieve a university degree, graduating from Cambridge before moving on to military training in the Royal Navy, again all orchestrated by the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Charles had little time to develop a social life and found solace in more mature adults, both male and female.

By the age of thirty he had still not found his bride, although he was embroiled in his well known and controversial affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. Throughout his hunt "Dickie" fulfilled a roll reminiscent of Prince Ludwig to Victoria and Albert, asserting his preference for his granddaughter, Amanda. But there was just no chemistry. Then along came Diana, a nineteen year-old, sweet-natured virgin who was mentally unbalanced.

The marriage was doomed from the start-Diana, obsessed with Prince Charles' relationship with Parker Bowles, found it unforgettable and unforgivable. At first Prince Charles did his best to assuage her insecurities but to no avail. Eventually they led separate lives. Prince Charles gravitated toward social experiments. He became a name both respected and vilified by the press for his work and speeches about architecture, agriculture, and economics. One venture, The Prince's Trust, has raised millions to start poor youths in businesses and is still quite successful.

Regardless of the involvement Prince Charles has had in social development, he has had great difficulty charming the press and the crowds. He's not the "people's prince". He's not warm or inviting. He is wrapped in a hard shell. Through all the stresses of his failing marriage and the fickle public, he fell back on his two great passions-watercolors and Parker Bowles. But this completely backfired. As private thoughts and conversations became public domain after the couple's separation, it became apparent that Prince Charles was no longer favored to be heir apparent. Diana's passive-aggressive retaliation tactics, her unbalanced attention-seeking behavior, and her fake functioning persona ruined Prince Charles' chances of ever being accepted as a ruling monarch.

Regardless of the vicissitudes of his private life, his charitable works continue to be quite successful ventures around the globe raising hundreds of millions of dollars and requiring their own offices. An indefatigable pursuer of justice, training, and the bottom-line, Prince Charles includes his sons, his new wife, Camilla, and his acquaintances to mastermind some of the most trusted and respected charities of Great Britain. Although he craves the authority the throne brings, he adores his mother and abhors the day he will lose her. Years have mellowed him, made him wiser.

Bedell Smith has written an evocative, mesmerizing piece on a multifaceted man. I walked away with a deeper understanding of the Charles and Diana dynamic. And what a harmonious rhapsodizing of Charles' adoration of nature. The beauty showed through the words. Kudos to you! A brilliant work.

I'm not quite finished with this book, but so far it is quite good. I know the author has written many good biographies and this one is no exception. She has a good writing style, knows her material and draws her readers into the life of someone we thought we knew well, but really didn't.

However, as I get further and further into the book, I find it is mired with too many details. It's not necessary to know every meeting that Charles has had on his projects and to know all the opposition, who they are and what they had to say about him. Summaries would be good. Every detail of his life is scrutinized, sometimes to the point of monotony. The book would be so much better if edited. As is, it is over 600 pages and Charles is still very much alive and hasn't become King yet. While this might be the definitive biography (so far) of his life, definitive can mean overly long, which it is and it is definitely one-sided.

The one thing that really annoys me is the author's constant harping on Diana. While we know that she had many problems, she is portrayed as a raging maniac, with almost no good qualities. Bedell Smith goes out of her way to portray her in the worst light possible. There is one photo of her being joyous at seeing her sons again, with them running into her outstretched arms. For some reason I cannot fathom, B-S makes it seem if Diana staged it for a photo op. And, while all of Charles friends and associates line up to relate how terrible Diana is, I keep wondering where are the interviews with Diana's friends and family? I'm sure they would have given a different picture. The question is how would she have been if Camilla had been out of the picture and if she and Charles had an opportunity to really try and have a marriage? She was just a young woman, barely out of her teens and having some problems, who was thrown into a maelstrom, married to someone who didn't want her and only married her because she was a virgin and could give him an heir.

And of course, Camilla is seen as the warm, loving friend and intermittent lover of Charles, acting as a cross between a mother figure and hearty, sexy lover. The fact that she cheated on her husband is hardly mentioned, the fact that she cheated with Charles when he was married is not viewed in a bad light and she is seen as something like a savior for Charles. Maybe if she had backed off of Charles from the beginning of his marriage, Diana would have been able to try to have a good relationship with Charles. I see Camilla as a force of dissension in that marriage, not a savior.

However, my opinions of the people do not matter. What does matter is that so much is a one sided account.

As for the rest of the book, I think it is interesting to see a more realistic picture of the Prince, someone who was intellectually stimulated about a number of topics (but sometimes ran off course with his opinions) and to see him as someone with a very emotionally stunted childhood. And, of course, there is the other side of the Prince, the side of a very privileged childhood and adulthood, a person who needs a valet to help him dress, who wants friends to address him "properly", who has access to fabulous wealth (without having to work for it) and who accepts that he has a royal right to all of the perks and money that he has.