MONARCH IN A HURRY

As he undergoes medical treatment this week, veteran royal watcher Robert Jobson on why King Charles won't slow down for long...

- Jane Warren

AS HE prepares to go into hospital for surgery for an enlarged prostate, King Charles has much to be proud of even if the perfectionist in him may not see it that way as the clock ticks down on his reign, according to veteran royal correspondent and biographer Robert Jobson.

"When Charles became King, there were fears that he would be the meddling kind," explains Jobson. "He has certainly pushed the constitutional boundaries. However, from the moment he took that role, after being seen in tears at the Queen's funeral, seemingly with the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has been characterised by his humanity and warmth." And although he will need to recuperate from his medical procedure this week, nobody should expect to see the King slowing down any time soon.

Jobson recalls the volatility of a politically unstable period, "with Boris gone and prime ministers coming and going", during which the continuity of the monarchy revealed its core stability.

"From the moment he arrived at Buckingham Palace the day before his Coronation and got out of the car for a walkabout, when someone embraced him and said 'God save the King' - a very touching moment warmed to everyone him," he continues.

"But he was never going to be a carbon copy of the Queen. He sees himself as being able to make a difference and he is not afraid to speak out on issues such as the environment.