A controversial prince: Charles in his own words

Never one to mince his words, the Prince of Wales has on numerous occasions courted controversy with his outspoken views on the environment and the related arenas of science, architecture, urban development, agriculture and natural medicine. Here, we explore the opinions of the heir to the throne in his own words.

On farming:

April 2001, speech to Saskatchewan provincial government, Canada

The prince sparked a furore in the UK when he appeared to blame industrial farming methods for the foot and mouth crisis, saying it was time to "take stock of the long-term consequences of industrialised farming":

"We need to remember the underlying importance of an awareness of the workings of nature, the rhythms of the seasons, the health of the soil, the crops and the welfare of livestock. We neglect the delicate balance of the rural community and the need for harmony within the workings of nature at our peril."

On genetic modification:

June 1998, Daily Telegraph article

"This kind of genetic modification takes mankind into realms that belong to God, and to God alone. Apart from certain highly beneficial and specific medical applications, do we have the right to experiment with, and commercialise, the building blocks of life? We live in an age of rights - it seems to me that it is time our Creator had some rights, too."

On science and nature:

December 1996, The Wilton Park Seminar

"Science has tried to assume a monopoly - even a tyranny - over our understanding. Religion and science have become separated, with the result, as William Wordsworth said, "Little we see in nature that is ours". Science has attempted to take over the natural world from God, with the result that it has fragmented the cosmos and relegated the sacred to a separate, and secondary, compartment of our understanding, divorced from the practical day-to-day existence.

"We are only now beginning to gauge the disastrous results of this outlook."

May 2000, The Reith lecture

"The idea that there is a sacred trust between mankind and our Creator, under which we accept a duty of stewardship for the earth, has been an important feature of most religious and spiritual thought throughout the ages... It is only recently that this guiding principle has become smothered by almost impenetrable layers of scientific rationalism. ... Part of the problem is the prevailing approach that seeks to reduce the natural world including ourselves to the level of nothing more than a mechanical process. … Above all, we should show greater respect for the genius of nature's designs, rigorously tested and refined over millions of years."

On architecture:

May 1984, Royal Institute of British Architects 150th anniversary speech

The prince famously criticised the architecture profession for the "giant glass stump(s)" springing up across London, singling out the Mansion House Square project and extension to the National Gallery.

"It is hard to imagine that London before the last war must have had one of the most beautiful skylines of any great city, if those who recall it are to be believed...What, then, are we doing to our capital city now? ...

"Instead of designing an extension to the elegant facade of the National Gallery which complements it and continues the concept of columns and domes, it looks as if we may be presented with a kind of municipal fire station, complete with the sort of tower that contains the siren. I would understand better this type of high-tech approach if you demolished the whole of Trafalgar Square and started again with a single architect responsible for the entire layout, but what is proposed is like a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend."

November 2003, The Prince's Foundation

Charles took aim at Renzo Piano's "Shard of Glass" design for the London Bridge tower.

"If we are going to “do” tall buildings, then for God's sake let us do them so that they add to the life of the city around them – in a proper context - and let's do them sustainably! At the moment it looks as though London seems to be turning into an Absurdist picnic table – we already have a giant gherkin in the City, now it looks as if we are going to have an enormous salt cellar as well."

January 2008, New Buildings in Old Places Conference

"I very much fear we are repeating the mistakes of the 1960s, but doing so with even greater hubris and efficiency!Corporate and residential towers are being proposed across London, and overshadowing World Heritage sites from Edinburgh to Bath. ... For some unaccountable reason we seem to be determined to vandalize these few remaining sites which retain the kind of human scale and timeless character that so attract people to them and which increase in value as time goes by. ... (Our approach) will leave London and our other cities with a pockmarked skyline. Not just one carbuncle, ladies and gentlemen, on the face of a much-loved old friend, but a positive rash of them that will disfigure precious views and disinherit future generations of Londoners."

On alternative therapies:

December 1982, British Medical Association

"The whole imposing edifice of modern medicine, for all its breathtaking successes, is, like the celebrated Tower of Pisa, slightly off balance. ... It is frightening how dependent on drugs we are all becoming and how easy it is for doctors to prescribe them as the universal panacea for our ills."

June 2004, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The prince infuriated healthcare professionals by recommending a controversial cancer treatment which eschews chemotherapy and other traditional methods for five coffee enemas and 13 fruit juice drinks five a day and weekly vitamin injections.

'I know of one patient who turned to Gerson Therapy having been told she was suffering from terminal cancer and would not survive another course of chemotherapy. Happily, seven years later, she is alive and well. So it is vital that, rather than dismissing such experiences, we should further investigate the beneficial nature of these treatments.'

On plants:

The prince was widely mocked after revealing in a 1986 television interview he regularly talked to his plants, adding "They respond, I find."

The ridicule led him to parody himself at his 40th birthday celebrations, saying: ''Only the other day, I was inquiring of a bed of old-fashioned roses forced to listen to my demented ramblings on the meaning of the universe as I sat cross-legged in the lotus position in front of them."

Comments

[Andrew]

See he is a wise clever man, in 1986 they never knew talking to plants helped but in 2008 we are well aware of plants responding when talking to them or listening to different types of music.

And the ysay he knows nothing about GM foods when he warns against the future.

He owns a Organic food company, he knows all about how to feed the soils etc, not destroy it though chemicals.

[Lissa]

What a delight, to discover your Prince has a sense of humor. Loved the conversation with the roses, and you've lifted my spirits. Thanks!

[Neal Hightower]

Traditional allopathic medicine has a long ways to go to overcome greed instead of pursuing genuine medicinal well being for humanity, as evidenced by routine surgical practices that subject patient's to unnecessary invasive procedures. Three middle ear surgeries for "cholesteotoma," a sebaceous cyst that allegedly resulted in fatalities for indiviuals in the 1900s, propelled me to homeopathic/alternative medicine. Refusing a fourth surgery, the tumor was dissolved by myself, with herbs, vitamin & mineral supplements, amino acids, coffee colonics (artichoke heart extract will achieve the same results of dilating/cleansing the liver with much less discomfort), organic natural grains, vegetables and fruit diet, enhancing the immune system instead of leaving me dredged as if a stroke or heart attack had occurred. When the tumor exited the ear via the external meatus, tears flowed, with the God given knowledge that care for my own physical well being was available.

The scientific method is flawed generalizing research from thousands to now billions of earth's inhabitant, while filling heath care treatment facilities with elderly patients completely dependant on medications: limiting life to an average 80 years, instead of 120 as prevalent in Biblical times.

Statistics on Alheizmers for over 60 U.S. population is frightening per recent Harvard University studies, as evidenced in ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 13th Edition, Butcher et al, published by Allyn and Bacon, 2007. Fats are intrinically etiological, yet the Food and Beverage industry continues to make billions on marketing harmful lipids. The American Medical Association counter- acts unsuccessfully with prescribed medications that at best seriously impinge quality of life.

Prince Charles is applauded for taking a courageous stance against an industry that has fallen prey to profit instead of honoring its oath to heal mankind.

[Dee]

I don't think Prince Charles said anything so outrageous there. I agree with most of it, actually. In fact, this is really the first thing I've ever read that makes him sound like quite an intelligent and likable fellow.

(I never cared much for him before, because of his support for fox hunting. There's really no excuse for that. But hopefully that's all in the past now.)

It's important to distinguish between turning to rationality and/or the scientific method as a useful tool when needed, versus worshipping it as the only possible answer to all of life's questions. Western civilization went way astray when they tried to make rationality the measure of all things. It's a useful tool for survival, nothing more. Not all facets of reality are comprehensible through reason, and it's sheer folly to claim that they are. It's like putting on a pair of purple sunglasses, and then declaring that there are no non-purple things in existence.

[Strangerinastrangeland]

I find the tone of this article appalling and uncalled for. While I am no fan of the Royal Family, I have found the Prince's comments and opinions insightful, holistic, progressive and passionate... qualities which are sorely lacking in the policy-makers of the current regime and its supporters.

[F. Odder]

The scintists should remember the lesson at the end of the film Bride of the Monster: 'They tampered in G-d's domain!'
What more do these Frankensteins need to know?

[Robin Owens]

What about triple glazing and solar panels?

[Robin Owens]

Why not use the earth'score energy for hot water, heating, lighting and electricity?

[Mark]

Isabelle "There is, however, evidence that GM crops can increase yields (biotech rice, Bt cotton and corn have notably increased farmers’ yields in developing countries)"

Keep up dear. Just do a google search for the bt Cotton crop failures. Overall, GM seed is not shown to increase yields. You really need to update your records.

[Emily]

Oh dear King Mud is having another go at the Prince. Well sorry Murdoch but Monsanto, you know the company with a virtual monopoly on GM seed, just isn't in most people's good books. With their record on PCP, agent orange and RoundUp, that's hardly surprising.

GM is all about getting patents over food - a dangerous amount of power to give any company, let alone one like Monsanto which has a virtual monopoly on GM seeds. GM is not required to feed the world, it has lower yields on average, it also uses more pesticide (often even though the plant is engineered to produce pesticide itself), and it is more expensive. It also prevents farmers in developing countries from reusing seed.

No wonder Murdoch and his cronies think it's such a great idea.

On this issue Prince Charles has done us all a very big favour - by bringing the issue back into the spotlight for debate. I certainly trust him a darn sight more than our venal politicians with their snouts in the trough.

[David Gwilliam]

Well said Prince Charles. I do hope none of the Times commentators are going to deny his right to comment that would be real hypocrisy. As for claims that he is not an expert on topics he offers opinions on I thought that was the definition of a journalist.

[Seb Craig]

Here is a man who voices his true opinions rather than spin decided by press officers, this is the way to create the debate the politicians talk of. I wish they had the balls to voice an authentic opinion.
Very refreshing.

[David]

The man has opinions. Very misinformed and wrong opinions in my view. Why though does he get more publicity than me? Only because he is "Royal". Many scientists actually know about these subjects, yet are ignored, whilst this man's views get loads of attention. Fine, let him resign from being a "Royal", enter politics, convince people to vote for him and then he will have earned the right to be listened to. Until then, ignore him.

[MICHAEL]

Note the intelligence and educated content of supporting comments, and compare these to the simplistic emptiness of the opposing insults. Any non-biased, right minded person should see who has done their homework here.

[John W Meadows]

What a wonderful contrast to so many of our snivelling politicians,even from his exalted position to defy the lefty political correctness that stifles debate in Britain is courageous.
A famous American once said " I disagree with all you say but I will defend your right to say it"
Give em hell,Charlie.

[Flossie]

Bravo Your Highness! Go for it! You are pressing all the right buttons!

[Flossie]

Bravo Your Highness! Go for it! You are pressing all the right buttons!

[Emma]

''we already have a giant gherkin in the City, now it looks as if we are going to have an enormous salt cellar as well.''

God I love Prince Charles

[Isabelle]

There is a genuine lack of any factual evidence to support Prince Charles’ claims on GMOs. There is, however, evidence that GM crops can increase yields (biotech rice, Bt cotton and corn have notably increased farmers’ yields in developing countries) and GM technology also has the potential to help with climate change adaptation by offering plants better able to cope with climate stress, such as drought and salinity. Environmental benefits of GM crops are proven too: less water needed, less land used, biodiversity preserved. Safety of GM is proven through scientific research and 10 years of safe use in a couple of dozen countries. The Prince's claims against GM aren’t backed by any such proof. To dismiss the potential of GM is thus illogical at best.

[Frank H. Madigan]

If Charlie will give up some of those huge homes and live the green life in a modest dwelling, I will respect him a little more.

It is quite easy to say stop eating GM beef when your larder is full of stag

[alison]

Great stuff Charles. Good for you.

[Bonniest Baby in Chelsea 1947]

I left the Isles for America in '49. I used to think I made a great move. Then the '60s changed me mynd.
Now the Internet allows me to see that there are morons on both sides of the pond. Read my lips ... YOU ARE USELESS UNLESS YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING TO HELP THE PLANET! GET STARTED NOW, BEFORE IT"S TOO LATE! THERE IS NO CURE, ONLY PREVENTION!

[rporto]

Difficult to take notice of someone that uses helicopters for 45min journeys. My children and the polar bears are between the non listeners.

[rporto]

Difficult to take notice of someone that uses helicopters for 45min journeys. My children and the polar bears are between the non listeners.

[rporto]

Difficult to take notice of someone that uses helicopters for 45min journeys. My children and the polar bears are between the non listeners.