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Prince Charles’ unexpected side jobs

The longest-serving heir-apparent in British history is making the most of his free time before he becomes the king of England.
Prince Charles meets pupils and teachers involved in a climate change education program on Feb. 24, 2017 in Cwmbran, Wales. (Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images)

Prince Charles isn’t the kind of person you’d expect to have a side hustle. He’s the Prince of Wales, making him the heir-apparent to the British throne and patron or president of more than 400 organizations.

But, 70-year-old Charles has many interests, and as the longest-serving heir-apparent in British history, he’s making the most of his free time before he becomes the king of England. Here are four side jobs Charles could claim if he had a resume:

Author

Charles has written the foreword to dozens of books, but what you may not know is he’s authored four of his very own. One of his most talked-about books is called 'A Vision of Britain,' in which he put an emphasis on the need for purposeful, beautiful architecture and better urban planning throughout Britain. Here’s an excerpt from a 1988 documentary called 'HRH Prince of Wales: A Vision of Britain' in which Charles discusses the architecture in London and Birmingham.

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Town planner

Poundbury, an urban extension of Dorchester in Dorset County, was built based on what Charles wrote about in 'A Vision of Britain.' Work started in 1993 and is expected to be complete in 2025. It’s built on 400 acres of land which includes 250 acres of mixed-use buildings. Approximately 4,500 people call Poundbury home.

Organic farmer

As an advocate of organic farming, Charles turned the Duchy Home Farm into an organic farming system in 1985. Home Farm works with organic food organizations and helps teach others about organic farming through workshops.

Bed and breakfast operator

In May 2019, Charles opened Granary Lodge, a bed and breakfast on the grounds of Castle of Mey in Caithness, Scotland. Granary Lodge has 10 rooms and offers fresh breakfast with locally-sourced ingredients and an on-site bar that features international beverages.

Now at the age when many people have retired, Charles shows no signs of slowing down. And that’s a good thing because he has yet to take on the role he’s been preparing for his entire life – king. If he’s anything like his father, who didn’t officially retire until he was 96, Charles has many years to continue doing meaningful work.

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