Prince Charles sets record for being next in line
By Associated Press
Apr 21, 2011 2:28 AM CDT
FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2009 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles, left, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are seen in a carriage during a state procession with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and visiting Indian President Pratibha Patil at Windsor Castle, England. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis,...   (Associated Press)

Prince Charles has entered the record books for spending the longest time as heir apparent to the British throne.

The 62-year-old prince achieved the milestone on Wednesday, by which time he had been next in line 59 years, two months and 14 days.

His mother, Queen Elizabeth, is still in good health as she celebrates her 85th birthday on Thursday, so Charles seems a good bet to extend his record significantly.

Charles overtook King Edward VII for the longest wait. Edward had waited 59 years, two months and 13 days to succeed his mother, Queen Victoria.