Charles, Prince of Wales

:Prince Charles redirects here. For other people known as Prince Charles, see Prince Charles (disambiguation).

Personal interests

The Prince of Wales is a horseman and huntsman. He served in the Royal Navy, commanding HMS Bronington, a minehunter, from February 1976 until December 1976. He is also a watercolor artist and a published writer. He has exhibited and sold a number of paintings. The Prince's Trust, which he founded, is a charity that works mainly with young people, offering loans to groups, businesses and people (often in deprived areas) who had difficulty receiving outside support. Fundraising concerts are regularly held for the Prince's Trust, with leading pop, rock and classical musicians taking part.

Related Topics:
Royal Navy - HMS ''Bronington'' - Minehunter - Prince's Trust

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He claims to "care deeply about issues such as the environment, architecture, inner-city renewal and the quality of life." He was shot at by gunman David Kang at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia in 1994.

Related Topics:
Life - David Kang - Tumbalong Park - Darling Harbour - Sydney - Australia - 1994

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To put his ideas on architecture and town planning into practice, the Prince of Wales is developing the village of Poundbury in Dorset. Prior to commencing work on Poundbury he had published a book and produced a documentary entitled A Vision for Britain, both being a conservative critique of modern architecture. In 1992 he also established the Prince of Wales Institute of Architecture and began the publication of a magazine deal with architecture, but the latter has since ceased operation. The Prince is also keen on growing and promoting organic food, although he drew some ridicule when he admitted to sometimes talking to his houseplants.

Related Topics:
Architecture - Town planning - Poundbury - Dorset - Prince of Wales Institute of Architecture

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The Prince of Wales is also highly regarded by some on the international stage as an effective advocate for the United Kingdom. On a visit to the Republic of Ireland, for example, instead of simply using a standard foreign office speech, he delivered a personally researched and written speech on Anglo-Irish affairs which was warmly received by Irish politicians and the media.

Related Topics:
Republic of Ireland - Anglo-Irish

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One of the Prince's biggest areas of interest continues to be philosophy, especially the philosophy of Asian and Middle Eastern nations, as well as so-called New Age theology. He had a friendship with author Sir Laurens van der Post, whom outsiders called the 'guru to Prince Charles', starting in 1977 until van der Post's death in 1996. Laurens van der Post was one of Prince William's godparents.

Related Topics:
Philosophy - New Age - Laurens van der Post

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While his popularity has fluctuated, he remains the most active Prince of Wales in centuries, and has devoted his time and effort to charity work and working with local communities.

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