One of the perks of being a prince is enjoying a three-day birthday party. Prince Charles's half century celebrations began at Hampton Court last night, continue at Buckingham Palace tonight and conclude tomorrow, his actual birthday, at his Highgrove home.

It is difficult to imagine how Charles will view this milestone. For the rest of us, 50 is an age where most of life's major ambitions have been put to rest.Pivotal relationships have been formed. Children are usually well on their way into adulthood. Career hopes have either been achieved or abandoned.

Most 50-somethings hope to enjoy a future in which they can indulge themselves a little.

But the Prince of Wales can find no such contentment. His birthday merely marks the 50th anniversary of his apprenticeship. And he may not claim the job he was born to do for another 20 years or more.

It is an isolated, and probably very frustrating, position to be in. He is helpless to do anything about it.

The Prince has fiercely denied claims that he wished his mother to abdicate to make way for him. Surveys, including a telephone poll in this week's Evening Press, demonstrate the public's overwhelming wish to see the Queen continue as monarch.

This is probably more a vote of confidence in the Queen than a vote against the Prince. The monarchy has been rocked by a series of problems in the last ten years. Her calm, assured reign has provided vital stability and the people do not want to see her go.

Meanwhile, the Prince's public relations offensive continues. His officials are trying to re-brand a man who has been much misunderstood.

Previously he was thought of as a cold fish. Now the warmth of his love for sons Princes William and Harry is beginning to emerge. Considered a crank by many, his concerns about a broad range of issues from organic farms to the inner city are slowly being re-appraised.

Even his perceived aloofness is under challenge. We need only look at the guest list to his parties to see the range of people with whom the Prince feels comfortable.

Along with the great and the good of higher society, Prince Charles was mingling with the likes of Geri Halliwell, Ben Elton and young people from his charity, The Prince's Trust.

He may not have the obvious common touch of Diana, but there is no doubting his desire to know as much as he can about the people who will, one day, become his subjects.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.