Charles and aides take up entire jet for tour of Gulf

Prince Charles flew into an environmental row today as he jetted into the Gulf with a 20-strong party aboard a private jet designed to carry 140 people.

Weeks after declaring that he wants to be the greenest member of the royal family, Charles touched down last night in Kuwait aboard a hired Airbus 319, flying himself, Camilla and their entourage from London for a 10-day tour of five states.

The plane has been converted from the normal 140-seat version to a flying palace which accommodates 29 people in lavish comfort.

Sian Berry, of the Green Party, said: "Choosing to fly in an aeroplane that can take up to 140 people but filling less than a sixth of the seats is disappointing behaviour from the prince, who has previously made the right noises on climate change."

A Clarence House spokesman said all travel options had been examined but hiring a plane was the most "time and cost effective".

"When the prince said that he wanted to reduce the amount of trips he took on charter flights we also said that the situation would be examined on a case-by-case basis," he said.

"His current tour takes in five countries in just 10 days and includes meetings with senior members of their ruling families. Logistically it was the best option."

The cost of the trip will be made public when Charles publishes his annual accounts in June.