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Queen's growing concern over eco warrior Charles
Last updated at 11:07am on 02.02.07
The Queen fears that Prince Charles's green revolution is leading to tensions within the family
The Queen is growing increasingly 'concerned' that the Prince of Wales is embarrassing other members of the royal family in fighting a public eco war.
Senior royal sources said Her Majesty fears his green revolution is leading to tensions within the family.
Both Prince Edward and Prince Andrew have been criticised recently for their use of royal flights. It is felt Prince Charles's campaigning is putting others under scrutiny to prove their own green credentials.
A senior source said: "There is growing concern in the royal household and in the family itself that the Prince of Wales's worthy determination to leave a green legacy may have a detrimental impact on other members of the royal family.
"Some of the more junior members of the family have been embarrassed by it. Perhaps one should remember that, while Her Majesty remains Head of State of this country, all the royal family must be seen to be working hard under her stewardship and, of course, in harmony.
"This sort of division causes unnecessary tension and may be seen as unhelpful."
It is feared the knock-on effects of the criticism may restrict the royals' ability to act as ambassadors abroad. Some senior sources fear the situation may lead to splits in the royal family itself.
The revelation comes after Charles declared in a speech in New York that the fight against climate change was a 'war' that must be won.
He said it was imperative that everybody take personal responsibility. His strong language-surprised some senior figures in the royal household.
Charles took a 20-strong entourage to New York - taking over the first-class cabin of a BA scheduled flight as well as some club class seats at a cost to the taxpayer of more than £150,000.
According to one former royal aide when the Princess Royal travels on Olympic business she flies scheduled too, but is only accompanied by one Scotland Yard personal protection officer.
When the Duke of Edinburgh flies abroad on royal business without the Queen he has just one aide and his taxpayer-funded SO14 personal protection officer.
Charles has revealed he plans to curb his use of royal helicopters and private jets on official engagements when possible. He also revealed he intends to make more use of the royal train.
Reader views (8)
How many palaces/estates do Charles and the family own? How many mega-watts of electricity and metric tons of natural gas/fuel oil do the estates consume? How many cars/SUVs make up royal family motorcades? While cutting back on his royal helicopters and private jets, these aircraft still consume thousands of gallons of fuel, contain gallons of oil and hydraulic fluid, and spew emissions by the truck-load. All the prince is, is another example of an environmentalist that is NOTHING more than talk.
- Paul, Columbus, MS, USA
Prince Charles' public comments on global warming, and his calls to action, may eventually become a huge embarrassment to the UK.
His recent pronouncements on global warming and related matters lack sufficient basis in verifiable facts to be taken as credible. Neither political power nor prestige are guarantors of truth - a fact of which Queen Elizabeth II seems well aware. By going off on a crusade not solidly grounded in facts or backed by good science, Prince Charles risks bringing discredit to the Royal Family, and rendering it a global laughingstock for generations.
- The Eagle, Austin, TX USA
Embarrassment - yes! Get rid of the entire lot.
- H Robertson, Virginia USA
Leave Charles alone!! He's one of the few good guys left. Please stop all the twaddle about staff and jets. It's real nit picking.
- Max Whilom, Caz, WI
What a useless exercise in excess - a 20 person entourage to hear rehashed comments. He should stay home and work in his garden and not waste our time and taxpayer's money. Oh, the tired Royals!
- One Of The Gunns, Los Angeles, CA USA
I listened to the Prince's remarks. I thought he sounded relevant and informed. Although I might not agree completely with him, he was thought-provoking and sounded like a leader.
- Marc, Washington, DC USA
I don't understand why he has to travel with 20 people! Can't he figure out how to order a dry martini himself?
- Ian, Jacksonville, Florida ( Mayberry, but bigger), USA
I still can't understand why we have to foot the bill for Charles galavanting all over the world. Anyone?
- Jay, London
