The Unlikely Portrait of Prince Charles by Sally Bedell Smith

Sally Bedell Smith, renowned biographer of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, has now turned her attention to another prominent figure in British history - Prince Charles. In her latest book, 'The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life', Smith offers a captivating and intimate portrayal of the prince, one that is both nuanced and comprehensive.

Despite potential criticisms from fans of Diana Spencer (Princess of Wales), those who support Team Charles will undoubtedly be delighted by the author's dish on his love affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. The book provides an inside scoop on the man who would eventually become King, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual. Smith's masterful account paints Prince Charles as ambivalent about the crown, forward-thinking in his promotion of green energy, deeply in love with Camilla from their initial meeting, and resentful in his marriage to Diana.

What sets this biography apart is Bedell Smith's refusal to take sides or sensationalize her subject. Instead, she presents a balanced and well-researched volume that delves into the prince's initiatives in various fields - economic, social, and architectural - highlighting his tireless efforts to be taken seriously. The author also sheds light on Prince Charles's long days as king-in-waiting, filled with projects he believed contributed to the good of the country.

In this multidimensional portrait, Smith portrays a sensitive and often visionary man who has been misunderstood by many. Through her writing, she navigates the circular barriers that protect the prince and his position, offering shrewd insights into the British upper classes and aristocracy, including the royal family. The book's subtitle - 'The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life' - accurately reflects the complex nature of Prince Charles's personality.

Notably, Smith also explores the unhappy marriage between Charles and Diana, establishing with great judiciousness that their union was troubled from its inception. Overall, this biography is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of one of the most recognizable people in the world - Prince Charles.

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