'Time to stand up for our prince'

After the last 24 hours, no one can have any doubt about the personal courage, honesty and integrity of the Prince of Wales.

In an unprecedented move, he has made clear the allegation at the heart of the latest media frenzy is a lie. At last, the fight-back many of us have been longing for has begun.

Sadly, it seems to be the way of things now that people in public life have to put up with constant rumour and innuendo.

But I speak for many when I say that we are heartily fed up with the constant sniping and griping about the Prince of Wales. Let's just look at this man and what he does.

He started The Prince's Trust to help young people who have nowhere else to turn. Be under no illusion, he is no figurehead. He runs the charity with a passion which is unequalled.

And he has championed our rural communities for years. When foot and mouth was devastating the countryside, he gave a donation of £500,000 to help the farmers affected.

It was Prince Charles who alerted the world to GM technology and he is outspoken on the environment. It might not be comfortable for some, but his voice cannot be ignored.

There is nothing which says he has to do these things until he is king. But when he does this country will never have had a monarch who cares more about the people who live in it.

It is time for people to stand up for our Prince of Wales and recognise the extraordinary force for good which he is.