Prince Charles Chill Seems in New 'Vanity Fair' Cover Story

Prince Charles.
Photo: WPA Pool / Getty Images

Prince Charles is turning 70 on November 14 (yes, he's a Scorpio, which explains a lot!), And to celebrate, the heir to the throne has been doing a bunch of press. There was the September interview with British GQ, the forthcoming book Charles at 70 by Robert Jobson (who had reported to the future king), and most recently, Vanity Fair that is left us wondering: Is Prince Charles chill now?

As royal watchers and lovers of drama, we have never thought of the heir to the U.K. throne as chill; Diana and was also a willing participant in the (reported) TamponGate conversation that will be forever etched in our brains. But as the wise Lainey points out, all the press surrounding Prince Charles has recently painted a different light. In the VF article alone, he comes across as nice, playful, and as relaxed as a future king could be. What ?! To prove I'm not lying (also, you should trust me in general), here are a few examples.

Camilla Parker Bowles, some sausage in Lyon, France, in front of the press, in a chill way:

"What is it?"Charles inquires, and is quickly passed a bit of sausage. A hush descends; the butcher is on tenterhooks before the royal opinion is issued: "Excellent! Unbelievable"Says the future King. The butcher 's face registers ecstasy. Charles beckons the Duchess from the cheese aisle. "Try this, darling," he coos, as onlookers smile and photographers click.

Prince Charles and Camilla in Lyon, France.
Photo: JEFF PACHOUD / AFP / Getty Images

The article also suggests that Camilla and Charles are nicer to the royal press corps than royals of the younger generation:

William and Kate, by comparison, go to their point of view at the "fixed point" where photographers gather. In general, this correspond goes on, the younger generation of "control freaks" about their coverage, while Charles is "far more relaxed." As is Camilla.

This is tough for those of us still reeling from his Princess Diana split, but being able to marry the love of his life

"They are both clearly great on their own. But Camilla's Nephew, Ben Elliot, co-founded the Quintessentially Group. "You can see it when they are together. They enjoy each other's company so much. You can see it when they are dancing together – such a real, deep-down affection and love. They both get the giggles – she first, then he tries to hold it together. "

Lainey Gossip points out, the seeming chill-ification of Prince Charles does not seem to be a strategy to show off his "personality" as he prepares to ascend to the throne. We look forward to seeing more stories about how to be normal and relatable (lol)