This November sees the 60th birthday of Charles, Prince of Wales. Born at 9.14pm on November 14th 1948 and later christened Charles Philip Arthur George, the Prince of Wales would go on to become a pivotal figure in the ever-shifting public image of the British Royal Family.

Preparations are already well underway for the celebrations marking the Prince's birthday week. A £5 crown coin has already been issued by the Royal Mint to honour the anniversary. Two days before his big day, the Prince will host a special televised gala, 'We Are Most Amused', in aid of his Prince's Trust, which will be headlined by John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson and Robin Williams in his first UK stage appearance in 25 years.

On the day itself there will be two parties, one hosted by his mother the Queen at Buckingham Palace with foreign dignitaries and leading British figures in attendance, the other a more private affair at his Highgrove Estate, with Charles surrounded by family and close friends.