Prince Charles quits heritage group over book snub

The Prince of Wales has resigned as patron of a leading heritage society after a row over his conservative architectural views, it was reported today.

Charles has quit as patron of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, founded by William Morris in 1877, after it rejected a foreword he had written for a handbook on the restoration of old houses, the Independent newspaper said.

He is said to have put forward the view in the piece that old houses should always be restored in their original style, in contrast to the view of the society which believes in using the best of modern architecture and design in restoration.

The society is said to have asked for the foreword to be amended, but was rebuffed and was told it was "all or nothing."

It chose to reject the piece, and the Prince, who took the view that he was being censored, responded by ending his association with the society, it was reported.

The rift took place several months ago, the newspaper said, but has been kept strictly confidential until now.

The move comes after the Prince won a battle last month to get the developers of Chelsea Barracks in central to drop their modernist design for the project.

Lord Rogers accused Charles of setting a "dangerous precedent" by using contacts with the Qatari royal family to ensure that his design for the site was rejected.

A spokesman for Clarence House would not comment on the details of the article but said: "The Prince of Wales has over 400 patronages.

"It came up for renewal in 2008 after five years and was not renewed. We never give reasons."