Prince Charles in green row over Severn Valley visit

Jun 9 2008

PRINCE Charles has stepped into an eco row after being accused of lining up a gas-guzzling limo when he arrives in the Midlands on a Royal visit today.

The Prince of Wales and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, will arrive in Worcester on the Royal train at the start of a visit to inspect work restoring the flood-damaged Severn Valley Railway.

But, after getting off the train, Charles and Camilla then plan to travel by car to Kidderminster, which is at one end of the Severn Valley line.

The 15-mile road journey has caused concern among environmentalists because there is a direct railway line from Worcester to Kidderminster.

A Severn Valley Railway spokesman said: “I do not know why their royal highnesses are travelling from Worcester to Kidderminster by road rather than train, but it is likely to be a matter of time.

“As well as engagements in Worcester itself, the prince has an engagement in Upton-on-Severn which is a fair way from Worcester.”

But one Severn Valley enthusiast, Peter Roberts, from Evesham, said: “With his expressed concern on environmental matters, surely Prince Charles could avoid increasing his carbon footprint by ensuring that the royal train continues to Kidderminster?”

A spokesman for Clarence House, Charles and Camilla’s London residence, said: “We never comment on the Royal family’s travel arrangements.”

During his visit, the prince will take the controls of a 500-ton steam locomotive.