Prince Charles, who turns 60 on Friday, says he only enjoys "bits" of his job as the heir to the British throne, as celebrations marking his birthday got underway.

Asked in a BBC television documentary, aired Wednesday, if he enjoyed his role, the Prince of Wales and monarch-in-waiting replied: "I don't know."

"Well, there's bits of it," he added. "It is something that I feel I must do to help as many other people as I possibly can and this country."

The first big birthday bash for Charles was a comedy night at a southwest London theatre on Wednesday with stars including Robin Williams, Rowan Atkinson and "Monty Python" veteran John Cleese.

"What better tribute to the heir to the throne of this formerly great country that we should bring him tonight to this cramped old theatre somewhere in the God-foresaken suburbs?" Cleese quipped.

On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II (82), will host a glitzy gala for her eldest child at Buckingham Palace — to be followed by more informal private party on Saturday thrown by Charles's wife Camilla.

Rock star Rod Stewart will perform at the latter event, reportedly waiving his £1-million (€1.2-million, $1.5-million) appearance fee.

AFP