The Prince of Wales may have reached an age when many people think of retiring, but for him life begins at 60.

He has been groomed to be king since birth but arguably it is only in the last few years that all elements of his life have provided satisfaction.

The shadow cast by the death of Diana, Princess of Wales was banished this year after the inquest and it appears Charles is now able to look forward.

His personal life must now give him a strong sense of happiness after he married the love of his life - Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall - three years ago.

With his trusted confidante by his side, his aides have noted he is more content as he carries out his duties.

His pride in his sons, princes William and Harry, must also have grown as he watched them develop into men forging their own careers in the armed forces.

He has also seen his efforts to address problems in society and issues close to his heart bear fruit and he now presides over the Prince's Charities.

It is a group of 20 not-for-profit organisations, 18 of which were founded by Charles, involved in a range of issues from health to the arts.

The flagship youth charity the Prince's Trust is at its helm - the first organisation established by Charles.

Charles set up the Prince's Trust in 1976 with the £7,400 severance pay he received when he left the Royal Navy.

He was inspired to act out of concern over a lack of opportunities for young people, and it is seen by observers as his biggest achievement to date.

The Prince's Trust started small, funding a variety of minor projects and schemes, but it has grown to now have a turnover of £50m and 8,000 workers.

Charles has long since developed his own "voice" to speak out on a range of highly controversial issues.

Unlike the Queen, who cannot make her opinions known, Charles can speak his mind and has often done so on religion, climate change, education and GM food.

But he has not only talked about his beliefs, he has taken action to improve things such as setting up a group to help safeguard the world's rainforests.

Speaking about the difference he made, he once noted: "What I've done is a pinprick, but at least it's something."

He has inevitably caused controversy with some of his opinions, most notably when he condemned high-profile designs during a speech to architects in 1984.

That year he also spoke out strongly in favour of alternative medicine - at that time still relatively unknown -and urged doctors and healers to unite.

In recent years, Charles has worked to lead the Royal Family into the 21st century, recognising the need to keep up with an ever-changing society.

He seems more aware of the needs of Britain's young people than any other royal - perhaps because of his sons' determination to lead normal lives.

And now as he turns 60, Charles appears to be finally reaching his true potential as an heir to the throne.