Prince Charles vows not to meddle in politics as King in BBC documentary to mark his 70th birthday — but quickly adds ‘you never know’
Prince Charles reveals plans for his reign as King and has been criticised for 'lobbying for pet projects'
CRUSADING Prince Charles has vowed not to meddle as king but admits: “You never know.”
Critics fear that as sovereign Charles could continue to lobby for his pet projects, and stray into politics — which the Queen has never done.
The prince, who turns 70 next Wednesday, tries to the quash the suggestion in a BBC documentary aired tonight.
Vowing to stop campaigning for his projects including architecture and the environment when he becomes king, he insisted: “I’m not that stupid.”
But he also appears to backtrack saying: “Well you never know but you could only do it with the agreement of ministers. That’s how it works.”
The bombshell comments in BBC’s Prince, Son And Heir: Charles At 70 are his first major opportunity to outline what kind of a king he intends to be.
Architect Richard Rogers once accused Charles of sinking building projects by lobbying for planning permission to be denied.
And the royal’s prolific pleas for intervention to aid his causes have become known as “black spider memos” because of his scrawl.
He tells the programme: “You know I’ve tried to make sure whatever I’ve done has been non-party political, but I think its vital to remember there’s only room for one sovereign at a time, not two.
“So, you can’t be the same as the Sovereign if you’re the Prince of Wales or the heir.
“But the idea somehow that I’m going to go on exactly the same way, if I have to succeed is complete nonsense because the two situations are completely different.
“You only have to look at Shakespeare plays, Henry the 5th or Henry the 4th part 1 and 2, to see the change that can take place.
“Because if you become the sovereign, then you play the role in the way that it is expected.”
Told he is often accused of meddling, Charles said: “Really, you don’t say? But I always wonder what meddling is? I always think it was motivating.”
Yesterday Charles joked with model Naomi Campbell at a soirée for influential Nigerians in Lagos.
Charles was on his own as wife Camilla flew home from their West African tour early.
Naomi wished him happy birthday and said after: “He looks amazing. I told him his spirit is young.
“He is such an example to me. His commitment to the Commonwealth, that’s amazing. I am very grateful.”
Ex-Everton star Joseph Yobo handed Charles a Nigerian football shirt emblazoned HRH 70 as a birthday gift.
WILLS: SEE MORE OF MY KIDS
PRINCE William wishes his dad saw more of his grandkids – and fears for the workaholic’s health.
The Duke of Cambridge is desperate for Charles to make time at home for George, Charlotte and Louis.
He said: “When he’s there, he’s brilliant. But we need him there as much as possible.”
Dad to be Harry said there “were hopefully more grandchildren to come” and his father “needed to slow down”.
Harry added: “He will fall asleep on his notes to the point where he’ll wake up with a piece of paper stuck to his face. The man never stops.”
He told a BBC documentary for his dad’s 70th that Charles was surrounded by “bags and bags of work” when he and William were kids.
Harry said: “We could barely get to his desk to say goodnight to him.”
Nigerian 3 cheers
CHARLES began his 70th birthday celebrations early on a Royal Navy ship in Nigeria yesterday.
He got three cheers from sailors in the West African nation’s navy.
Charles was then presented with a cake and a card with a photo of himself on the front and a message offering “many happy returns”.
He had watched Nigerian sailors being trained by Royal Navy instructors on an anti-piracy exercise.
They came aboard his Royal Navy vessel after a series of drills on a lagoon in Lagos.
HURT OVER FLIGHT JIBE
PRINCE William says his father was hurt by people saying his frequent air travel contradicted his environmental beliefs.
Prince Charles was criticised for running up a £1million travel bill last year alone.
But The Duke of Cambridge said: “Until someone comes up with an electric plane its impossible to get around the world without using a plane that’s there.
“So, you know, he did take to heart the criticism quite a lot when he was younger.”
Aisle be helpful
PRINCE Harry has described the moment he asked his father to walk bride Meghan down the aisle — saying Charles vowed: “I’ll do whatever she needs”.
The Duke of Sussex tells the BBC he thinks his dad knew the request was coming with Meg’s father Thomas unable to attend.
Harry added: “For him that’s a fantastic opportunity to step up and be that support.”
And Camilla recalled Charles holding hands with Meghan’s mum Doria.
She said the gesture “moved everybody”.
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