In defence of Charles

I am truly disappointed by reactions from some sections of the media over recent comments by Prince Charles in relation to McDonald's.

Charles was at the 'Imperial College London Diabetes Centre' in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, to launch a public health campaign late last month. The British Press Association quoted him as commenting to a nutritionist,

"Have you got anywhere with McDonald's? Have you tried getting it banned? That's the key."

The Royal Family are probably some of the most misquoted people on the planet, and as there is no audio or video of the comment, we can't exactly be assured that the comment was made or that those precise words were said.

However, what disappoints me is the way some sections of the media reacted so negatively and so, well, predictably. Charles interfering. What does he know? Nutritionist studies indicate McDonald's is healthy! He needs to get up-to-date. Charles's Highgrove produce more fattening than McDonald's! Admittedly, there were only a handful of small articles that I read that had a go at Prince Charles over the comments. But Charles-bashing is a popular pastime within the media and amongst people in general, so it is only natural that newspapers, particularly in the UK, would have enjoyed a field day.

An excerpt from the Star Tribune:

After the comments, British newspapers reported that the prince's line of Duchy Originals Cornish pastries contained more fat, salt, and calories than a Big Mac. Proceeds from the organic food line go to his charities. The Guardian newspaper pointed out that it was unlikely that Charles had ever set foot inside a McDonald's.

McDonald's Corp., which operates 1,214 U.K. restaurants, said it was "disappointed" by the remarks.
Some analysts said the defense of the chain by some in the public and the media is a good sign for the company.

"This just shows that McDonald's has clearly turned a corner here in changing people's perceptions," said Allyson Stewart-Allen, who heads International Marketing Partners.


Right, so the media defends McDonald's these days? Good to know, good to know. But Super Size Me is a must-see, they'll also tell us.

I, personally, have purposely avoided eating anything from McDonald's ever since seeing that documentary at the cinemas. I don't think it was a fantastic movie, but it had enough of an effect on me. And I honestly don't buy into all that 'healthy choices', salads, bagels thing. If I'm after a salad or bagel, I don't believe I'll go to Maccas - of all places - for it. I don't consider myself an overly healthy eater (though I'm trying), but I just tend to think that there are so many better alternatives to McDonald's if you're out-and-about and feeling hungry.

But back to the Prince... More people should know that Prince Charles has, for many years, been very vocal about public health, nutrition and the environment. He is a strong advocate of organic farming and, in turn, a strong opponent of genetic modification. Indeed, he has just written a new book, titled The Elements Of Organic Gardening. The following is taken from his website:

'The Elements of Organic Gardening' breaks down the different aspects of the techniques used to maintain a garden without chemicals and pesticides.

The book gives practical advice on compost, healthy soil and propagation, plant combinations and rotations, and how to deal with pests the organic way.


His Royal Highness has been a keen gardener for 25 years and the estate at Highgrove is well-known as a flagship for the organic movement.



He recently received the Global Environmental Citizen Award in New York (presented to him by Al Gore and Meryl Streep). He has a lot of thought-provoking things to say about the environment, and has set up various schemes on his estates and throughout the UK.

His comments on McDonald's were quite reasonable, in my humble opinion. Banning McDonald's is obviously a pretty big deal and highly unlikely to happen anytime soon. But when it comes to health, that giant of an organisation shouldn't exactly be at the top end of the list for praise.