'Class act' Prince Charles is already taking the reins

With a few heartfelt and carefully chosen words, the Prince of Wales dispelled talk of him being desperate to take the crown.

After drawing his customary laugh from the crowd by calling Her Majesty “mummy” in public — Prince Charles said significantly, “and long may she reign over us”.

Everyone there to witness the Queen light the first of 1,000 beacons in honour of her 90th birthday applauded. Charles, the “author and architect” of the public and private celebrations, again showed he is a class act. He meant every word too.

For although, at 67, he is the best prepared and longest-serving heir to the throne in history, he lives by the motto on his heraldic badge — “ich dien” which is German for “I serve”. And going forward — now the Queen is in her 10th decade — that is exactly what he will do in whatever way the monarch and country needs him to.

It had been a long day for the Queen, and at the beacon lighting in the shadow of Windsor Castle it was beginning to show. Wearing a headscarf to protect her hair for the dinner party for 28 members of her family and significant friends, Her Majesty looked a little tired. Earlier she had driven through the streets of Windsor with the Duke of Edinburgh, waving and smiling to an enthusiastic crowd. It was all played out in front of a bronze statue of Queen Victoria and was truly a day to remember. But I could not help thinking we were on the cusp of change — maybe even at a tipping point.

For although the Queen will most probably never abdicate, and her sharp-witted responses on John Bridcut’s brilliant BBC1 documentary narrated by Charles show she is still mentally astute — it seems clear that he will, or already is, taking the lead. He looked assured, confident, fit. At times, such as at the beacon ceremony, the Queen appeared frail.

The documentary Elizabeth At 90: A Family Tribute, aired last night and saw many of the royals share their thoughts and memories after watching unseen cine film footage. Her Majesty’s memory was pin accurate about events that happened more than 80 years ago.