Prince Charles has joked he knows "exactly" what elderly care is "all about" after turning 68.
The Prince of Wales made the quip at a St James’s Palace reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Abbeyfield, a charity which provides housing for those in later life, and admitted he couldn’t believe he’s been a patron of the group for 37 years.
He told the attendees: "It’s been for me an enormous pleasure to be your patron for 37 years, which I discovered to my horror this morning. You’ve been very good to put up with me for this long.
"It is one of the great examples of how elderly people can be cared for and thank goodness you’re there to do exactly that.
"So, ladies and gentlemen, many congratulations and I hope there will be many, many more years of even greater success in looking after elderly people – having reached the age I have, I begin to understand exactly what it’s all about."
Singer Aled Jones – who is a patron of the charity – was also at the event, and led some belated birthday celebrations for Charles, who turned 68 on Monday (14.11.16), by singing him ‘Happy Birthday’ at the end of the reception.
The 45-year-old star praised the charity for helping the elderly to feel they have a place in society.
He said: "It’s a horrible thing in our society, we forget about these people and treat them as rather a nuisance and this charity is totally the opposite."
Prince Charles makes elderly care quip
