HAPPY birthday Bonnie Prince Charlie!

HAPPY birthday Bonnie Prince Charlie!

Suffolk today sends its birthday messages to the Prince of Wales as he celebrates turning 60.

The prince has visited the county on numerous occasions, including recently to check in on his troops at Wattisham Airfield Army base.

And Prince Charles, whose jet-setting lifestyle sees him flying all over the world in search of good causes, is showing no signs of slowing down. While one party would be enough for most of us, that's certainly not the case for the royals!

In the build up to the big day, the prince has already attended a stand-up show in his honour. Comedians Rowan Atkinson, Bill Bailey, John Cleese and Robin Williams performed at the 'We Are Most Amused' evening on Wednesday.

And if that doesn't make his birthday special enough, he's also being thrown two parties.

His mother, Queen Elizabeth, arranged the first, a very exclusive evening at Buckingham Palace with entertainment from the Royal Philharmonia Orchestra.

The second, tomorrow, will be a more informal affair hosted by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, where Rod Stewart will be performing as a present to the birthday boy.

The people of Suffolk have also been sending their own messages to the 60-year-old royal, who will be able to pick up a bus pass from today.

And while some think the prince should be holding back on the spending in the current economic climate, many hope that he lets loose and helps himself to a brilliant birthday.

Looking ahead to the future, the Prince of Wales said that he still has a lot to offer as he performs his many charitable duties. He said: “It's something I feel I must do to help as many other people as I possibly can, and this country.”

- What are your birthday messages to Prince Charles? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

In Profile: Prince Charles

- Charles Philip Arthur George Windsor was born at London's Buckingam Palace on November 14, 1948.

- He went to Cambridge University and in 1970 was awarded a 2:2 degree.

- In 1971 he trained as a jet pilot in Lincolnshire - and was an officer in the Royal Navy for several years.

- He set up the Prince's Trust in 1976 to support to young people to move in to employment and education.

- Until 2005 he was an avid polo player, playing both competitively and then for charity.

- He enjoys painting, frequently exhibiting and selling his work, and has published books on watercolours.

Vox pop:-

- Yvonne Mayhew, 43, from Bent Lane, Rushmere St Andrew, said: "I think he does very well in his role, he helps charity, he is good for the country. He's got everything, so I'd go to Oxfam and get him some seeds or cattle for the third world."

- Mike Pope, 20, from Parade Road, Ipswich, said: "He doesn't really do a lot, he just walks around. I'd get him some deodorant, or some socks!"

- Tony Chamberlain, 64, from Little Clacton, said: "I think it's absolutely brilliant what he's done for the country. The Prince's Trust is very good. But what do you get the man with everything?"

- David Wheeler, 60, from Stowmarket, said: "He's outspoken, which is how royalty should be. I'd get him a good shovel, he likes a good dig."

- Liam Bell, 23, from Cliff Lane, Ipswich, said: "He's always about, I think, he does a good job with charities he supports. I'd get him an Ipswich Town shirt!"

- Beverly Nolloth, 51, from Jasmine Close, Ipswich, said: "He's very nice, he does a lot for everyone. It'd be really hard to get him a present, there's not much he doesn't have."