Prince Charles’s paintings are notching up millions. That doesn’t make them any good | Jonathan Jones

He grew up surrounded by art, and his work isn’t awful – just amateur. But the poor man has to do something with his time

There was an emperor of China who spent so much time painting that he lost his throne. Let’s hope that never happens to our own Prince Charles. The Emperor Huizong, who died in 1135, was a gifted painter as well as a calligrapher and poet. He made a major contribution to the cultural golden age of the Song dynasty – but his fascination with beauty distracted him from military affairs and his kingdom was invaded. He died a prisoner.

A constitutional monarch in the 21st century has far less military responsibility than a Chinese emperor in the 12th. Much as he may wish to influence our government with his “black spider” letters, Charles will never have to make a personal decision about renewing Trident, going to war, or even renationalising the railways. He can paint all he likes without endangering the kingdom.

Related: And you thought Henry VIII was a tyrant | Natalie Haynes

It must help you to feel familiar with art if you see a Rembrandt in the lounge every day

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