Download
Prince Charles plans to claim the government pension he qualifies for when he turns 65 on Thursday, but he still hasn't started the job he was born to do.
The oldest son of Queen Elizabeth II has been heir to the throne since his mother became monarch in 1952, when he was 3. He is the longest-waiting heir apparent in Britain's history, overtaking Queen Victoria's son, Edward VII, two years ago.
Charles became a grandfather earlier this year with the birth of Prince George, the first child born to Prince William and his wife, Kate.
Palace officials said on Wednesday that Charles will contribute the government pension to a charity that helps elderly people.
The future king is entitled to about 110 pounds ($175) per week because of his service in the Royal Navy and voluntary contributions he has made.
As Prince of Wales, he certainly doesn't need the pension fund. He enjoys control of the lucrative Duchy of Cornwall, a vast holding established in 1337 by King Edward II to provide income for his heir. It brings Charles millions each year.
The prince, accompanied by his wife, Camilla, will mark his milestone birthday representing his mother at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Sri Lanka after spending part of the day in India.
For decades, the queen has attended the meeting, and Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said that Charles saw taking her place as "quite a momentous occasion".
Stepping in for the queen has become more common in recent years as Elizabeth, 87, has greatly reduced her international travel. Her husband, Prince Philip, 92, has also reduced his public appearances following a series of medical setbacks.
Over his decades as heir, Charles has become known for his strong opinions on topics such as education, architecture, religion, the environment, organic food and homeOpathy.
Little said the prince was enjoying his relative freedom to speak out before he becomes king, a role that will require him to be much more cautious in his pronouncements.
"I think he's very much making use of the time available to him in that he can put forward theories and get things done that he won't be able to do when he becomes king," Little said.
Charles has also celebrated his birthday by serving as guest editor of a special edition of Country Life magazine, which shares his enthusiasm for preserving Britain's rural areas.
Charles used his stint in the editor's chair to upbraid supermarket chains for taking advantage of Britain's small farmers and said Britain's farming heritage is at risk.
Questions:
1. How old is Prince Charles?
2. What will happen at his next birthday?
3. What milestone did he pass 2 years ago?
Answers:
1. He turns 65 on Thursday.
2. He qualifies for government pension.
3. He became the longest-waiting heir apparent in Britain's history.
About the broadcaster:
Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.
GRE阅读长难句典型结构
新GRE阅读练习题(6)
新GRE阅读:必知的2种逻辑思维
新GRE阅读导航
新GRE阅读短文练习题(1)
新GRE语文部分如何备考
新GRE阅读 对于态度的预见
攻破新GRE逻辑阅读
GRE阅读出题规律深度剖析
突破GRE逻辑阅读之倒装句结构
GRE阅读:如何分析阅读段结构
新gre阅读:黑人文学
新GRE阅读练习题(3)
新GRE阅读解题经验分享
GRE阅读技巧 积累阅读量提高阅读速度
GRE阅读技巧讲座:阅读文章套路
GRE阅读:打破“长句”魔障
GRE阅读中长难句中译英练习题
新GRE阅读练习题(4)
新GRE阅读:如何快速掌握信息
新GRE阅读复习重点完美总结
GRE阅读解析-罗马数字题
新gre阅读:JAZZ MUSIC
GRE阅读态度题分类词汇大全
GRE阅读需克服学术难词障碍
解析gre逻辑阅读作者的观念及文化背景
GRE阅读备考重点及时间分配
新GRE阅读考试长难句实例解析(3)
新GRE阅读考试长难句实例解析(7)
gre阅读中的长难句解读(2)
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |