Prince Charles feels unappreciated

Oct 28, 2005, 12:45 GMT

Britain's Prince Charles says he feels unappreciated by the British public and thinks people dismiss him for being out of touch.

In his first US TV interview in a decade, the heir to the throne says he is determined to make the most of being born in his position but finds it difficult.

He told CBS' '60 Minutes': "The most important thing is to be relevant. It isn't easy, as you can imagine. If you say anything, people will say, 'It's all right for you to say that.' It's very easy to just dismiss anything I say."

In a bid to combat this, Charles works on environmental and social class issues.

An avid organic farmer, he has developed a village called Poundbury, built of native or recycled materials where people of all income levels live. The prince said: "What I've tried to do is put my money where my mouth is as much as I can by actually creating models on the ground."

The royal has also founded 14 charities.

He said: ""I only hope that when I'm dead and gone they might appreciate what I've done a little bit more.

"Worrying about this country and its inhabitants is my particular duty. And I find myself born into this particular position. I am determined to make the most of it."

Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, begin a week-long tour of the US on Tuesday (25.10.05).

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International