ITV documentary Charles: 50 Years a Prince takes a candid look at the life of Prince Charles since his investiture as Prince of Wales
Half a century after Prince Charles was formally invested as Prince of Wales, the revealing Charles: 50 Years a Prince, previously shown on ITV Wales, sees the Prince speak candidly about his role and the very special connection he feels to the principality.
He also shares his memories of that investiture in July 1969 and talks about the challenges he faced in the lead-up to the ceremony, including protests from Welsh nationalists.
The one-off programme, narrated by actor Luke Evans, also follows him during his annual Welsh tour with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and offers a glimpse of Llwynywermod, the Welsh home he has created in Carmarthenshire, which has become a showcase for local craftsmanship (for full listings, see our TV Guide).
‘We had fantastic access and captured the Prince at his most relaxed,’ reveals executive producer Siân Price.
‘He didn’t shy away from the difficulties he’s experienced and spoke movingly of how he set about turning things around.’
‘I remember one day exploring a bit of wonderfully remote mid-Wales, which is magical countryside, relatively empty, and I got completely lost and had this chance to explore.
‘I rather fell in love with a lot of the Welsh countryside.
‘I learned an awful lot about Wales in the process,’ says the Prince, who has refurbished Llwynywermod using local materials with the help of Welsh craftspeople.
‘It just seemed to me wonderful to have somewhere in Wales to base myself, which would indicate as much interest and concern for people in Wales as I could.
‘And I’ve tried, as hard as I can, to encourage people to remember and develop the timeless nature of their culture and traditions.’
Main picture: Getty Images
TV Times rating: ****
