King Charles III - (Triglyph People) by Clive Aslet (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In King Charles III: 40 Years of Architecture, Clive Aslet offers a lively account of the King and his epic engagement with architecture since the 'carbuncle' speech of 1984.

King Charles III's affection for architecture is well-known, but the extent of his engagement has never been fully presented to the public. This is the first book to draw together the many threads, from the 'carbuncle' speech, made at Hampton Court in 1984, until his accession to the throne. He has created model settlements such as Poundbury through the Duchy of Cornwall, Dumfries House in East Ayrshire has been made a beacon of social regeneration, and his educational initiatives have changed lives.

The four decades of the King's commitment to architecture have coincided with Clive Aslet's career as a journalist, during which he has followed the story and often written about it, not least during the 13 years for which he was editor of Country Life. King Charles III: 40 Years of Architecture is based on new research including many interviews with the architects, critics, advisors and academics who worked with the (then) Prince of Wales on his far-reaching endeavors.

Review Quotes

"...nicely paced and elegantly executed. It is also beautifully produced..."--Keith Miller "The Times Literary Supplement TLS, August 8th 2025"

"'Here is a book and a half, a quite glorious book and a half ... For me, the King's interest in architecture has always been stirringly exemplary, and as Clive Aslet most poetically puts it, it is thanks to our noble King that 'Harmony is back on her throne.'"--Lucinda Lambton, Writer, Photographer and Broadcaster

"Until now there has not been a proper study made of the King's contribution to the built environment ... This brilliant book takes us through the Kings lifelong relationship with architecture, community, landscape, town planning and gardening."--Jools Holland, OBE DL - Composer, Pianist, Bandleader and Broadcaster

About the Author

Clive Aslet is a visiting professor of Architecture at the University of Cambridge and the publisher of Triglyph Books. For many years he worked at the magazine Country Life, where he was editor from 1993 until 2006. Clive has written prolifically for the national press and makes frequent appearances on radio and television. During his career, he has closely followed the former Prince of Wales's contribution to the architectural debate and accompanied him to both Poundbury and Nansledan. Clive has written more than 30 books about architecture and British life, including The Story of the Country House (Yale University Press) and Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's Greatest Architect? (Triglyph Books). Married with three children, Clive lives in London and Ramsgate.