Prince Charles, who became grandfather to Prince George in July, wishes it had happened when he was younger.
One of the guests at his 65th birthday celebrations last week said the Prince of Wales described "how he really enjoyed being a grandfather and how he wished he had grandchildren earlier."
"He said he was envious of his friends who already have many grandchildren," the lucky invitee told the New York Post.
© Photo: Getty ImagesIt isn't the first time that the first-time grandfather has enthused about the William and Kate's baby boy.
He opened up to TIME magazine about his grandson George shortly after his christening.
In an article entitled The Forgotton Prince, Charles said that baby George was "what this is all about" and said that becoming a grandfather has further motivated his want to create a sustainable future.
"I've had this extraordinary feeling, for years and years, ever since I can remember really, of wanting to heal and make things better," said Charles. "I feel more than anything else it's my duty to worry about everybody and their lives in this country, to try to find a way of improving things if I possibly can."
© Photo: Getty ImagesLast Thursday the heir to the throne was the guest of honour at the bash which also celebrated his the 35th anniversary of his patronage of the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the bicentenary of composer Richard Wagner.
The exclusive party, which reportedly cost £500,000, featured a champagne reception and a concert from the Philharmonia, with Charles choosing the music.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the event was paid for Indian private equity tycoon and philanthropist Cyrus Vandrevala and his wife, Priya.
The couple have become close to Charles and Camilla through their support of the Elephant Family conservation charity , which was founded by the Duchess's brother Mark Shand.
Attending were 400 VIP guests including chancellor George Osbourne and his wife Frances and some of the wealthiest people in Britiain. Among them were the heir to the Daimler-Benz fortune Gert-Rudolph Flick and his wife Corinne.
Read about how Prince George's arrival transformed his grandfather Prince Charles
