Hard on the heels of the 90th birthday of Nicholas Parsons (10 October) comes the 65th birthday of the Prince of Wales (14 November). Neither is due for retirement any day soon. Indeed, I suspect retirement would be the death of the long-serving host of Radio 4’s Just A Minute. The Duchess of Cornwall listens to his programme, I know. Perhaps her husband does too. Either way, Parsons is a perfect role model for Prince Charles. Nicholas is young at heart, unfailingly charming and wholly committed to the strange lot that fate has accorded him. He has been hosting Just A Minute for 46 years and not missed a single recording. He will be at it until he drops.
For his birthday I gave Nicholas a copy of my book The Seven Secrets of Happiness. There is credible research showing that happy people live seven to ten years longer than unhappy people and I would like to help extend my old friend’s life if I can. And what about a present for Prince Charles? What do you give to the man who has everything? I believe I have come up with the answer. What a grateful nation should give HRH for his 65th is a sabbatical. He has been the most conscientious, imaginative and effective Prince of Wales in history. He deserves a break. He is in the royal game for the long haul — which, given his parents’ longevity, could mean 30 more years in the spotlight. Now’s the time for a bit of downtime. A whole year off is probably unrealistic, but six months free of all public duties is achievable. I reckon his siblings and offspring would happily do a bit extra while Charles disappears from public view to pursue his passions in private.

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