Prince Charles has poked fun at himself for being "fashionable once every 25 years", admitting he is like a "stopped clock".
The Prince of Wales thought he had been given an "ill-deserved fashion award" when he was told he had been chosen for the Editor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Philanthropy at the GQ Men of the Year Awards, before discovering the accolade is for his charity work.
Speaking at the star-studded awards ceremony at the Tate Modern in London on Wednesday night (05.09.18), he said: "When I was told of GQ’s wish to give me an award, I felt sure there must have been some kind of mistake and I thought it must be some sort of ill-deserved fashion award.
"Particularly because in fashion terms I’m like a stopped clock, in other words I’m fashionable once every 25 years."
The 69-year-old royal – who is a patron or president of more than 400 charities, and has founded several of his own, including The Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation – also joked that watching a tribute to his charity work, which featured several celebrities including Idris Elba, was like seeing a preview of his obituary.
He said: "I’m grateful to [GQ editor] Dylan to give me a preview of my obituary."
The royal continued making quips in his speech by joking he would bear the sizeable accolade in mind if he ever needed a weapon to chuck at a burglar.
He said: "I’m enormously grateful for this award and I see it’s something I can throw at a burglar."
Charles insisted there is "nothing more satisfying" to him than his charity work.
He added: "It wasn’t easy at the start when trying to set up these charities and raise money. Spending money on worthwhile projects is relatively easy but making it is harder.
"There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the difference you can make to young people’s lives."
Dylan Jones, Editor of GQ said: "The Prince of Wales has given his service to charities and philanthropic endeavours with such steadfast revolve, clarity of purpose and dedication to others, at home and on the world stage.
"We are particularly honoured to be able to dedicate The Prince of Wales with this award during British GQ’s 30th Anniversary this year."
Charles’ charities – which also include The Prince’s Trust Group and The Prince’s Foundation – raise more than £150 million annually.
Prince Charles: I’m fashionable once every 25 years
