The Prince of Wales: Style icon

The quintessential HRH Prince Charles look in 1981 - double-breasted blazer with naval button detail. But note the subtle clash of stripe shirt with spotted tie, all set off with a jolly paisley silk pocket square Photograph: Rex Features/Rex Features

The safari suit was a reccurring theme of the royal wardrobe, from the 1970s until at least 1990, when this picture was taken. Seen here on a visit to the rainforest in Cameroon, Charles styled his with desert boots (hello, Prince Harry) and oversized shades. It's very YSL spring/summer 2012 and a look few can pull off, so props to the Prince for wearing it with panache Photograph: Rex Features/Rex Features

The beard, a centuries old regal look favoured by the notable kings of history, was road tested by the Prince during naval duties in 1975. The tabloids had a field day, 'What a hair raiser' screamed The Sun's headline. While the Daily Mail decreed 'the beard has transformed our most eligible bachelor from simply a pleasant looking chap into an extremely sexy man'. Sadly, the beard was short lived, shaved to a moustache the following day when he was installed as the Great Master of the Order of Bath at Westminster Abbey, which in turn was shaved off when he returned to duty Photograph: Howard / Associated Newspapers/ANL

Royal colour blocking in action on the Balmoral estate here in 1997. Prince Charles teams his Lord of the Isles tartan with a bold splash of apple green. We approve, Sir Photograph: Tim Graham/Tim Graham Photo Library

The double-breasted drape suit, seen here in 1985, has been HRH's signature look for the last 30 years. Previously bespoke from Anderson and Sheppard (where Alexander McQueen learned his craft and the urban myth of scrawling obscenities in the lining of the Prince of Wales coat stemmed from) and more recently said to be made-to-measure from Turnbull & Asser. The Prince's suit is always impeccably finished with a pocket square and smart shoe Photograph: David Levenson/Getty Images Europe

We were torn when deciding whether to include this picture. Is it tantamount to treason to celebrate the fine physical shape of our future King? For goodness sake, he wouldn't look out of place on a Dolce and Gabbana catwalk. Lest we forget HRH is a very sporty fellow; wind surfing, polo, swimming and, as seen here, running have all been part of the royal health regime over the years. Extra style points for the classic lace up pump Photograph: Willi Schneider / Rex Features/WSH

The Prince opts for classic chino shorts and a plaid shirt, while the oversized sunnies make an appearance again in 1991 during some family down time on the Isles of Scilly. It's a look that says 'Dad on holiday' Photograph: Rex Features/NWI

Practicality forms the basis of many of the Prince's style choices. On a visit to flood victims in 1987 he manages to avoid being upstaged by Princess Diana by opting for the 'matchy matchy' look. No mean feat Photograph: News (UK) Ltd / Rex Features/TDY

HRH is no stranger to black tie dressing but it's the addition of the co-ordinating black silk sling in 1986 that caught our eye here. So much chicer than a grubby NHS calico one Photograph: Tom Stoddart Archive/Hulton Archive

The classic double-breasted wool overcoat, seen here in 1986, is another cornerstone look of the royal wardrobe Photograph: Tim Graham/Tim Graham Photo Library

This is one of our favourite HRH looks. It's 1978 and while his beloved great-uncle, Lord Mountbatten, is dressed more conservatively, the Prince of Wales is leading where Gucci will later follow in a paisley shirt teamed with a suede snaffle loafer... Photograph: MIKE LLOYD / Rex Features/MLL

Embracing local culture during a royal tour of West Africa in 1977 and, may we say, managing to look rather fetching in the tribal print shirt. Again, it's very this season, see Burberry's tribal prints and Martine Rose's pineapple print Hawaiian shirt for examples. We say: trailblazer Photograph: Steve Wood / Rex Features/Rex Features

Dressing down in an Alpine knit circa 1988. HRH is streets ahead of the style pack in a look that is part Junya Watanabe and part James Bond in apres ski mode. We particularly admire the ornate clip fastening on this royal cardi Photograph: Keith Waldegrave / Mail On Sunda/ANL

There's a touch of E.Tautz about this polo knit from 1982. Prince Charles has always cut a dash on the polo field and this crown motif kit is no exception Photograph: Tim Graham/Tim Graham Photo Library

Further evidence of the signature look in action in 1989, teamed here with a polished loafer, likely to be from Royal warrant holders, Lobb of St James's, and a well-loved leather bag. The Prince has long been an advocate of craftsman and their skills and the longevity of wear that buying a single quality piece offers rather than a hoard of inferior alternatives. Style rule: quality never goes out of fashion Photograph: Rex Features/Rex Features

Seen here in full Ceremonial Uniform of The Welsh Guards for the official portrait to celebrate his 60th birthday in 2008, it's hardly surprising that HRH Prince of Wales was recently voted one of G.Q magazine's best dressed men. In the accompanying article the Prince himself commented: 'I took it very much as a vote for what can perhaps best be described as the classic and timeless look of British style' Photograph: Burnand/Getty Images