One of his favourite hobbies is painting, but Prince Charles has now been elevated from the amateur ranks to an exclusive circle of artists that includes Picasso, Chagall, Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon.
Like them, the talented royal has been invited to create the label for Chateau Mouton Rothschild - one of France's most famous wines. The Prince, who is currently enjoying a colourful tour of Nigeria, was, according to the Daily Mail, approached by vineyard owner Baroness Philippine de Rothschild for one of his paintings.
Every year since 1945, the wine has featured original artwork by well-known contemporary artists. Charles, whose efforts were once described by David Hockney as a "perfectly all right amateur effort", has apparently contributed a watercolour of pine trees at Cap d'Antibes on the French Riviera.
His handiwork will grace the 2004 vintage and, although he has not been paid for his efforts, he has been given a bottle of the £150 wine which could be worth thousands if he keeps it in his cellar for 20 years or so. "He was honoured to be asked," said a Clarence House spokesman.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
