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The Prince of Wales has again overstepped the boundaries of his privilege to intervene in a public matter by using royal connections to impose his personal taste (sic) upon the rest of us.

How are we, in the 21st century, to leave anything for posterity, other than pastiche from centuries ago that some hold up as an ideal, if modernists are not allowed to push the boundaries of our architectural knowledge to the limit of modern mans ability.

Lord Rogers has an obligation both to us and to his client to maximise the site's potential. Not just for today, but for posterity. To build bland, convenient and comfortable copies of Georgian symmetry is a cop out and a crime against architecture. The Pow's pet, Quinlan Terry, the architect of Quaint, is the worst possible alternative.

Since he has chosen to enter this public debate, I would expect the contents Prince of Wales' letter to the Qatari Royal Family to be made public.
Should he choose not to, then he disenfranchises himself from this debate and should content himself with building picturesque idylls in those tracts of England granted to him by ancient privilege.

I would urge Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to be steadfast in his choice of Lord Rogers as architect for this scheme as the best man for the job. To lessen the modernists influence is a victory for those who cling to the past, rather than looking to the future for creative, modern solutions which ultimately define the today in us all for generations to come.

- Richard Berridge, London

The intervetion of HRH has brought this disgraceful plan to the attention of the public. Architects have ruined the city and will do the same to the rest of London.

Prince Charles has taken a courageous step. He is to be congratulated.I hope the planners will think again.

- Roleam, London UK

Is this going to replace any of the existing barracks? If so then it's tragic. If it's a completly new development then it's not as bad but still, why do we feel embarased to say we'd prefer a traditional building. It's as though any architect who doesn't embrace modernity if affraid of being vilified by their peers. I don't like useing analogies but I'm going to, it's like saying your a Christian to the school bully. He will take your head off (you'll never get the contract) but the real fear is that all the other children, being affraid of the school bully, will mock you (your reputation as an architect lay in tatters). If you look around you at the type of buildings people love to live with or in, Georgian terraces-Cottages-Mills-Farm houses etc.. and yet we are going to expect the Chelsea Pensioners to live in some architects fantasy. What type of house does he live in? and even if he did live in a glass box, so what, most people wouldn't want to. Thats not to say we MUST mimmic the past, I've seen some lovely new builds but they were of traditional materials and very homely in size-shape-etc. Moddern design can be a development of what we know people love or an experiment. Experiments that affect the very well being of those living there. Give them some respect and allow for the suroundings, history and character of the area in which this is to be done. Don't you get sick of all the flannel, if there is no reason why not to then give us people what we like.

- Darren, Darlington

Regardless of how you feel about the urban design involved, the point is that the Prince shouldn't be able to side-step the planning system which plays a key role in our democracy. You can't have your cake and eat it!

- Mark, Hackney

There must be some place to support HRH's initiative!?

Modernist Architecture has it's place - but not in Chelsea. Can we please save a little piece of England - and keep any new designs in line with the district?

- Andy, London

Well spoken HRH. The Roger splan is a modern monstrosity, and though I do like most of his designs this is a carbuncle which will rapidly assume the presence of a modern slum. Terry's design will be much more appropriate and in keeping with this area.

- John Maxwell, london

Well done Prince Charles! The Roger's designs are a complete eyesore. They would be alright in the right place, but right beside the Royal Hospital and next door to Belgravia and Pimlico is just wrong. There is absolutely no attempt to compliment the area it's going into!

- Harry, Fulham

I agree with the sentiments that Prince Charles expresses. This area of London is not the City of London, nor is it a vast area that can be redesigned as a modern entity as in some other parts of London. This is a relatively small area where new buildings should not dominate, but instead fit into the surroundings and where, also, large areas of park/grassland should remain to echo the large parade ground that this development is replacing. The scale of the proposed buildings reflects the money the developers paid for the site. They have to have an enormous, high development in order to recoup their costs and make a large profit. These designs are all about making money not modern architecture.

- Meredyth Proby, Chelsea, London, UK

Thank goodness we have an heir to the throne who has an opinion, Unlike most people in power and politicians who , with sometimes vested interests, seem to have no opinion whatsoever. They never give a real answer, and fudge all their statements, while quietly feathering their own nests. We attract millions of visitors to London who come to see our historic buildings and admire our classic heritage. If they wanted to see glass and steel they would go to the new cities in America,or where ever. We need to keep our British identity and our proud heritage. I see that Lord Rogers is abroad, no doubt soaking up the massive amounts of steel and glass architecture he so admires. Please keep him there. Well done HRH Prince Charles for speaking out.

- Keith Jones, Bristol UK

Prince Charles is quite right the current scheme looks like something from a 70s council estate.The development should be in sympathy with the Quinlan Terry building at the Royal Hospital and the superb Wren buildings there also.The architecture should enhance the surrounding landscape and river frontage and should be a thing of beauty and not ugliness.

- Charles Oliver, LONDON, England.

He should stick to doing his royal duties and painting his Sunday watercolours. He knows nothing about architecture, but thinks he does. That's the trouble with being the King-in-Waiting.

- L A Odicean, Sidcup, London

As a living, vibrant city, London needs a diversity of architecture as well as of population. Architectural miastakes have been made in the past, but it would be a just as great a mistake to allow that to prevent further innovation. Don't abuse your power, Prince Charles, by assuming you have one jot more right to influence the way London looks as any other citizen.

- Barbara, Croydon

Why is everybody on the side of Prince Charles.Everything he said in A Vision of Britain was utter rubbish,he let down the St Paul's area with that stupid Paternoster Square design,which was demolished for a more contemporary design,and now this.Hats off to Richard Rogers for a wonderful design,which combines old fashioned gardens with postmodern design fitting for the area of the Lots Road and Battersea projects,with which the Quinian Terry design would not fit in with.

- H.J.Jones, London UK

Old and new must learn to stand side by side.Non-protected buildings can have these beautiful buildings on their doorstep.I do not see what is wrong with Richard Rogers' plan,as it contains striking buildings for the modern era.

- H.J.Jones, London UK

If “clothes maketh the man”, then for someone to wear formal suits and ties no matter how informal or inappropriate the situation (a recent visit to the Galapagos for example) speaks volumes on their narrow take on life.

Thank goodness for the boldness of the Qataris and the vision of UK architects like Lord Rogers who are not only an inspiration worldwide, but are putting London on the international architectural world map.

- Jd, London

As the land on which the development stands is likely to be Crown Estate : surely a member of the Crown and a potential landlord as freeholder has a right to discuss openly anything that might be built by his leaseholder or sub leaseholder.I agree with the Prince of Wales -anything in that location of London should be sympathetic to surrounding buildings as it is ageless .

- Keith G Skelton, Colombo : Sri Lanka

Plenty of forelock tugging above. If this semi-educated buffoon gets to be king he will be interfering in everything. God Save the Queen indeed!

- Mikes, London

Is the prince allowed to stick his long nose in such matters? I thought the monarch and the monarch-to-be were required to be silent about such matters, rather than throw in their private, amateur opinions, thereby risking the livelihood of thousands in this instance?

- Ben Adamson, New York, NY

London has some beautiful, historic, architecture. This heritage should not be despoiled by permitting the very modern to detract from the beauty and ambience of those areas that enjoy that historic heritage.
I am not opposed to modernity but let us please keep it in it places where it does not infringe on that which we have inherited.
Prince Charles has my support on this. Why should he not have his say? He should be as free as any other citizen to express his views.
(A Brit abroad.)

- John Needham, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Indeed! I just wish HRH had stuck his silver oar in a lot earlier. The lack of sympathy - and plain common sense - in so much "modern" architecture is mind-boggling. Go to it, Sir.

- Barbara Alloway, United States

Hard to believe? The Prince is a better royal than he is an architect - be gracious and allow an environment for spiritual highs like the Sydney Opera House and Ronchamp to be realised.

- Bill Tsakalos, sydney, australia

In 1910 the Austrian architect Adolf Loos realised a townhouse in Vienna without any ornament, the Emperor Franz Joseph refused to look out of the windows of his palace from where he could see it. This is where modern architecture took its course and it has since provoked the resistance of autocrats. Needless to say that the "Looshaus" is today revered as one of Viennas finest buildings and itself part of the tradition. There is no conflict between modern architecture and tradition, any building should be informed by what has come before and develop something new. That is something that Mr Terry could think about and change his Palladian/Georgian/Victorian canon. By the way, the Victorians destroyed more Christopher Wren structures than the Luftwaffe, a fact to think about.

- Daniel, London

The Prince is spot on. The site is too important to be given to Rogers densely unimaginative and crudely commercial blocks. Next door is Wren's masterpiece ironically built for charitable purpose; Terry's answer is an elegant solution.

- Bruce, London

Lord Rogers design is boring, common and unimaginative. The comments from the "source close to the Lord Rogers scheme" are otiose and nugatory. London, indeed this country, has enough plate glass and steel to last it into the next few millennia.

- Annabelle, london

Lord Rogers may be a world class Architect, but this is not a world class scheme. The alternative scheme proposed by Prince Charles is far from mediocre
Candy and Candy paid far too much money for this site and want to squeeze as many glass boxes as possible on to the site in an attempt to maximise their profit.
I disagree entirely with Ken on this scheme, but at least he has expressed his opinion. Does Boris have an opinion on this? I think we should be told.

- Andrew, London W1

Let us not look like the Southbank across Chelsea bridge - in 10-15 years it will look delapidated and cold. No let us have the long lasting classic design all are loving about in London.

Charles if you went into politics you would get my vote.

- F Dupont, London

I fully support Prince Charles on this as traditional design is by far more suitable for an old city like London whereas all steel and glass structures are just plain horrible, just like the expensive 1 Hyde Park project, also involving the Qatari royal family (more money than sense or taste, lucky they found gas offshore).

- George, London, UK

Prince Charles - Voice of the People. The sooner this ugly steel + glass shambles is kicked into the long grass and a more contextural design replaces it the better!

- Thomas, London

I hope they listen to Prince Charles. We have too many of these plain ugly glass and steel type buildings. I wouldn't mind betting the design he champions even allows for windows that you can open and breathe in real air! (Remember the days). Give me a building which is designed and built with care and attention to intricate details over "modernist creations" anyday. Go for it YRH!

- Kiren, Essex, GB

I know it is not the trendy view, but Charles is spot on.

This is a fight between a quick return and a lasting legacy London can be proud of.

The reason we have this "cutting edge" architecture is not because it is allowing freedom of creativity and expression. It is more the consequence of the nexus between a developers' profit motive and the architects' ego.

Go a little further down Queenstown Road, over Chelsea Bridge, and you will see what glass and steel "luxury" apartments look like. Nothing to be proud of there...

Keep it up Charles...he will be proven right as he has been on so many other things he cares deeply about.

- Sam, London

"Prince Charles is showing blatant disregard for the democratic process."

What? Having an opinion is undemocratic? The man doesn't have a final say in the matter, he is merely exercising his right to make a case for an alternate design. Are you suggesting that just because he can make more noise he shouldn't be allowed to say anything?

...and some people here call HRH arrogant.
Pot - kettle - black

- Rogan, Irving

Good on Prince Charles. There are enough brutalist buildings around. We need flair and beauty in London not more steel and glass structures.

- Alex, Wapping, London

Surely a site as important as this one deserves something better than the extremely boring pastiche predictably drawn up by Quinlan Terry to satisfy HRH's blinkered approach to architecture.

- Mikey, Tring UK

There are two separate issues here: whether or not these are the right designs for the site; and whether or not Prince Charles is right to intervene on the subject.
The first question is entirely subjective, its a matter of taste both whether you like Roger's modern designs, and what circumstances you consider them appropriate. There can no question that the image of modern building design in the British psyche has been deeply damaged by post war failures. For my part, I think there is a lot of good design going on in London at the moment, and while some mistakes are still made, it would be a terrible loss if we dismissed the work of talented and intelligent designers out of a sweeping catch all condemnation of anything vaguely modern.

As for Charles' intervention, there's no question that many agree with his opinions on design, but I'm concerned that as heir to the throne Charles isn't the appropriate person to be championing these or any other views. No question of public interest can be entirely divorced from politics, and politics is an area the royal family must remain separate from or else compromise the delicate settlement that maintains their largely ceremonial role in our constitution. It was unwise of Charles to make a personal plea to a representative of a foreign government, in so doing he muddled his personal interests with International diplomacy. His mum has successfully hidden her personal views from public knowledge, Charles should follow her lead.

- Henry Richards, London

As to Livingstone - well I thought he was no longer Mayor. And, let's face it, he's desperate for attention. It's up to Boris to decide what he wants to do. If I was him I wouldn't be listening to my predecessor, just trying to clear up the mess he left behind.

- Chuck Unsworth, London UK

what mess chuck? perhaps you should have watched the very interesting documentary about johnson, which showed he was elected on false promises - just wait and see, all the sheep like you voted for boris and he is NOT getting rid of bendy buses and his repeal of the western conjestion charge is going to cost us londoners 3 million and bring 30 thousand more cars into an already clogged capital. Oh and don't look for the routemaster in your lifetime as it ain't coming back - need i go on?about how public transport fares have risen twice as much as when ken was mayor??? now repeat after me chuck 'baaaaa' - thats the sound sheep who voted for boris...............

- Kh, London UK

I never thought I would find myself saying this - but I agree with Prince Charles. A far more elegant solution.

- Julia, London

About time his mother made a stand on the way her subjects are being treated in their own country. Good luck Charles you may be looney but at least you care.

- Frederick, London

Well done Charles. Whole area at the mo is a mess with builders rubble. It needs smartening up as so many shops down lower sloane street have closed. A more expensive classical design would be better suited to the area. Yes it costs more initally, but will last longer and therefore retain its value longer. Versailles took over 300 years to build and I am sure the Louvre took a long time to build as well yet no one who visited Paris can be failed to be impressed by those two buildings. We should put something of quality on Chelsea Barracks not some cheap souless rubbish

- Rupert, London

What does he know about such things anyway living as he does in a glass house.
T H Lees

- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK

The daft man is an anachronism, I expect he wants social housing to be just like Buck house. We all know he likes to get rid of pretty things and hang on to old and ugly things but come on.
The sooner this interfering idiotic old buffoon is sidelined the better.

- Kerry, Purley

Prince Charles is entitled to his views of course, just like anyone else. However, he should do well to remember that his job is to smile and shake hands, that's all. He is very lucky that the Qatari have chosen to answer in such a diplomatic way, given what is potentially at stake with Britain's energy sources and the thousand of jobs greatly needed in South Wales.

- Daniel, London

Why does everything have to be designed by Rodgers or Foster ?

- James, London England

The Terry design is most definately in keeping with the buildings in the area, especially the Wren designed Royal Hospital. Lord Rogers scheme is more fitting for Milton Keynes or Canary Wharf. It is chalk and cheese.
Well done YRH.

- Ralph, London, England

Another carbuncle in the makeing. He,s fully entitled to contest the so called modernistic designs and thank goodnes he does. As for the "Source" of critism of Charles why doesnt he declare himself . Too cowardly perhaps. These arrogant people cant bear to be challenged sneering at Charles wheras he has the guts and persistance to make public another point of view

- Peter French, Orihuela Costa Spain

Good for HRH. He stands to make no personal gain whatsoever from this development and makes valid comments. Glass and steel seems to be 'de rigeur' for today's architects, so that all buildings end up looking the same. Hardly appropriate materials for a barracks, I'd have thought, especially taking into account the threat of terrorist or other attack which the government wants us to believe is likely.

- Pat, East Kent UK

Prince Charles is right to intervene, and is proposal is superior. He also lives in the UK and has a valid opinion about his surroundings unlike the Candy brothers who spend the vast majority of their time in Monaco, which is their tax advantage home country now !

- Nigel Howse, Baltimore USA

Every time I pass the new Chelsea Hospital building I get a calm feeling from seeing a properly designed building which fits perfectly into its environment but that feeling of calm is quickly changed by the thought of the ghastliness that is likley to be perpetrated on the Barracks site. I am sure if people who are to be exposed to the Barracks were to be canvassed the majority would support Prince Charles.

- Peter, London

He's totally right. The current design is a joke, I've seen more inspired architecture in Milton Keynes. To have it sitting next to a Wren masterpiece (i.e. the Royal Hospital) in such a high profile location is sheer mindless vandalism.

- Andrew, London

Good for Prince Charles. I agree with him. At least he has the courage of his convictions and is in a prime position to tell it as it is. Unlike the majority of us 'Joe Bloggs' who whinge and moan but do absolutely nothing to change what they feel passionately against in this country! As for Ken Livingstone mind your own business, you're not the Mayor anymore.

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

Bravo, I'm tired of these 'planning' activities being impenetrable, sure they are done 'publicly' but we all know our voices are ignored. Charles probably has no personal interest in this, unlike the many other vultures who stand to make millions from it.

- Hugh, Birmingham, UK

@ Robin, Brentford, modern architecture IS part of our great English (British ?)future heritage. Do you still want to live in a wooden house with a roof made of animal skins? That was fashionable a few thousand years ago and part of the heritage.Prince Charles lives in a different century. He can make his comments but should not get involved in any town planning or use his priviliged position to influence decisions made by democratically elected people.

- Adrian, London UK

Almost everywhere you look in London is an eyesore, the new buildings don't blend/compliment their surroundings.
The British Libary comes to mind.
Good for Prince Charles to speak out.

- Mario Kempe, london

"unfair privileged intervention by a prince who does not want to engage in public debate apart from interfering behind the scenes. This is unfair and skews democratic process of planning for public spaces."

Garbage. He's saying what he thinks. His views can be accepted or rejected. What this 'source' is doing is, as usual, mounting an ad hominem attack. Let them address his views. And why should his views be censored by these petty apparatchiks? 'Unfair'? Don't be silly.

As to Livingstone - well I thought he was no longer Mayor. And, let's face it, he's desperate for attention. It's up to Boris to decide what he wants to do. If I was him I wouldn't be listening to my predecessor, just trying to clear up the mess he left behind.

- Chuck Unsworth, London UK

Prince Charles is showing blatant disregard for the democratic process.

- Steve Green, London

How many architects actually live in the 'modernist' designs that they favour?

- Manny Goldstein, London, UK

I totally agree with Charles, he is not willing to be bullied by big business - Brown take note, Charles actually has a back bone. As already said, change is painful but let's make it attractive.

- Rod, Epping, UK

We've outed the bankers, though their self-deceptions were quite subtle. Now for the so-called 'architects', whose brutalist offences are all-too visible to everyone.

- Steve, London, England

Good on you Charles, good to have an heir to the throne who cares so much about how our towns and cities look and is prepared to say what he thinks.

- Dave, Madrid

Good for Prince Charles. He seems the only person with a voice in this country that speaks up against these horrible soulless steel and glass edifices that seems to blight every street. Does modern architecture really have to be so lazy, limited in materials, lacking in aesthetic detail, quite so downright boringly ugly?

Carry on Charles!

- Stephen, London

Good for Prince Charles. Planning committees and architects such as Lord Rodgers need regularly reining in or we will end up with a landscape of endless glass buildings, eroding our great English architectural heritage.

- Robin, Brentford, UK

Who are we to criticise the heir to the Throne ?

- Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD

More power to your elbow Charles.
This modern rubbish will be rusted, cracked and overgrown one generation down the line, your design would be there for prosperity.
Why do people think that modern is best - the reason traditional designs are good is that they have stood the test of time. Change is good, but slowly and sensibly.

- Dyed In The Wool, Devon UK

Whilst I'd never be able to afford one of these, Charles has my backing on this. Why does every new development have to be a steel and glass prefab? Give it fifty years and these places will be like the concrete high-rise eyesores that continue to blight our landscapes to this day.

- Scott, London

Is it not time that we in this country started to give jobs to our own architects,not foreigners, and why do we have to build london into another new york. l praise Prince Charles for being so forthright and l feel that if you read between the lines there is republicinism rearing its ugly head again. London should still be keptas it was built,that is what the tourist come to see,not glass everywhere.l suppose if mr rogers gets his way whats the betting that it will be a foreign contrator who gets the job and of course foreign workers.Is it such a dirty word to be BRITISH anymore.

- Meg,Former Essex Girl, merthyr,south wales

In hindsight Charles was right about the South Bank in the 80s, I suspect he will be proved so again, whether the development goes ahead or not.

Should he speak up, yes - he cares deeply about this country and can in a way others can't.

- Rb, Fulham, UK

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