The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, London

Talk about an apprentice. By the time he turns 60 Friday, Prince Charles will have spent a lifetime in line to become king.

That's put him in quite a bind. The longest-waiting heir in British history only ascends to the throne when his beloved mother dies or decides to step down.

Queen Elizabeth II was hosting a birthday party for her son Thursday at Buckingham Palace. The Philharmonia Orchestra, of which the prince is patron, is due to play for invited members of the extended royal family and assorted society figures. Charles' wife Camilla was throwing a more private bash on Saturday at the prince's rural estate, complete with a performance by sexagenarian rocker Rod Stewart.

But the queen won't be giving Charles the present many believe he craves most - the crown. The queen has indicated informally that she plans to keep the job for life and some people think the 82-year-old monarch intends to live forever, or at least as long as her mother, who died at 101.

"It can't be easy," said historian Andrew Roberts. "Most of us can look forward to our new jobs, but the circumstances under which her reign comes to an end means that he can't, emotionally and psychologically."

If the queen remains in good health, Charles may be nearing 80 - or past it - when he fulfills the unique destiny that was his at birth.

Britain's next-longest monarch-in-waiting was Queen Victoria's eldest son, who became King Edward VII in 1901, aged just over 59 years and two months.

But shed no tears for old Charles and his predicament. He has made being Prince of Wales a pretty good thing.