Glamorous glitzy royal marriage reveals sad rejection of Prince Charles

In the fever of excitement over the royal marriage between Prince William and Kate Middleton next year, opinion polls are revealing that the public wish to bypass seeing Prince Charles on the throne and jump straight to crowning the dashing Prince William as king.

I'm not shocked, but disappointed that what appeals most to people in the UK seems to be youth, glitz, glamour and celebrity, over environmental astuteness, experience and wisdom. Prince Charles is well known for his outspokenness when it comes to protecting nature and fighting for environmental causes. Not to mention his wide knowledge of subjects important to a humane and progressive society. Perhaps when oil becomes even more scarce and the consequences start to hit our lifestyle choices, people will look back and have more respect and affection for Charles.

I'm sure William is charming, sensitive and well educated, but he will have his turn later in life.
For the moment though, it would be intelligent and fair to support Prince Charles and his role to be.

The Prince of Wales has broken with protocol by revealing his views so fervently over the years, especially when we are used to the Queen who has shown complete impartiality throughout her reign. Charles has admitted, 'It's no fun having your head shot off all the time,' but insists on sticking to his guns. 'I am absolutely determined to be the defender of nature. Full stop,' he says.

He has been influential in improving the lives of young people, encouraging religious tolerance, protecting and promoting beautiful architecture and supporting organic and humane farming. When king, the UK constitution will require that he curtails his lobbying, but it would be a shame to let all that experience go to waste.

Good luck to William and Kate, their time will come. But for now, I hope support grows for Prince Charles, one of the most inspiring and tolerant members of the royal family in history, who seems to be deeply misunderstood. It would be a reflection of a caring and environmentally sensitive society if support for Charles began to grow. Don't hold your breath!

Not just good for your waist line...

Eco-fitness is about more than losing weight, keeping fit or improving your shape. It's good for your mind too...

Last week, out on my early evening dog walk, I was mesmerised by what was going on in the sky. The orange autumn sun was sinking, the sky was azure blue, streaked with light clouds. By a strange fluke, bands of cloud had formed radiating out from the sun like the spokes of a wheel. The sun's rays illuminated these clouds, turning them a wild and vibrant orange. The whole effect was like a hilarious child's painting - massive in the sky.

In addition to the endorphins stimulated by a bracing autumn walk, this amazingly unusual sky further lifted my spirits at the end of a long day. Better than wine, better than being glued to the TV, no gym fees needed.

Get outdoors, get moving. Nature already has all you need to keep you fit and happy :-)

(And next time I'll remember to take my camera!)