While on his royal tour of Australia, Prince Charles was treated to an early 70th birthday bash, hosted by the Governor of Queensland, Paul de Jersey. The event gave the 69-year-old royal the perfect opportunity to reflect on the milestone birthday he'll be celebrating in November. With his characteristic humor, Charles opened up about his feelings on turning 70. "I do know only too well the strange feeling of disbelief that this is actually happening," he joked. "Never again will it be possible to squeeze into a pair of budgie smugglers. Honestly, bits of me keep falling off!" The prince added with a laugh, "Don't worry, they keep telling me I have brilliant genes, but I can't even get into them anymore!"
In case you're wondering, "budgie smugglers" is an Australian term for skimpy men's swim trunks—basically, a speedo. This early birthday celebration wasn't just about the jokes; it was also a chance for Charles to reconnect with some of his closest friends while visiting the land Down Under.
Prince Charles chatting with singer Katie Noonan at the party.
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Special Guests and Heartwarming Connections
Australian singer Katie Noonan, who wowed audiences with her performance at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony just days earlier, was among the guests. The prince shared that his favorite part of the ceremony's musical performances was the didgeridoo orchestral piece. "It was amazing talking to him," Katie told The Australian Women’s Weekly. She added, "My mom met his dad when she performed in The Tempest as an opera singer 36 years ago. It’s such a nice connection that I now get to meet Prince Philip’s son."
Reconnecting with Former Tutors
Michael Collins Persse, 86, who served as Charles' history tutor in Australia during his time at Geelong Grammar, also attended the gathering. Michael has maintained a close relationship with the future king over the years. He remarked, "Whenever we meet, we just pick up the same conversation we’ve been having for 52 years. He is such a special person." Michael noted that Charles was deeply fascinated by history and was a diligent, deep-thinking student who "gives inspiration to those who know him."
French Lessons and Fond Memories
Dr. Janet West, 82, Charles' former French teacher, was thrilled to catch up with her former student. She reminisced, "He spoke beautiful French. He had perfect pronunciation." Her husband taught Charles Latin and Greek, but the prince's favorite pastime was trout fishing. "He’d go off on his own, well, with one of his police officers," she said. "He also loved skiing on Mount Buller with the other boys." It sounds like Prince Charles enjoyed a memorable early birthday celebration, and we can’t wait to see what the actual party in November will bring!
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This post originally appeared on our sister site,Now to Love.
