It was a great surprise to have been invited by the editor to contribute to one of the defining journals of world fashion—a surprise owing to the fact that I am not entirely sure I fit the description of being “fashionable.” Sometimes there have been those generous enough to call me “well dressed,” but if they knew how much of what I wear is many years, even decades, old….

See more at Vogue.com

Eco-friendly in all aspects of his life

Ever the eco-friendly Prince, Charles decided to install solar panels on his London residence to make it “carbon negative”. His Royal Highness submitted a planning application to Westminster City Council which they have just approved.

The solar panels are a part of Prince Charles’ larger scheme to wholly convert to a green lifestyle. He has installed energy-efficient boilers, converted his Jaguar and Land Rover to run on biodiesel – derived from used cooking oil – and his Aston Martin even runs on fuel made from wine!

A spokesman for Clarence House said that the Prince was very happy that his planning application went through “[...] as next month Clarence House Gardens will be hosting the Start Garden Party to make a difference’, which will showcase various measures people could take to live a more sustainable lifestyle.”

Mandy’s Royalty @ Anglotopia.net

I can only somehow imagine that I find myself being born into this position for a purpose. I don’t want my grandchildren or yours to come along and say to me, “Why the hell didn’t you come and do something about this? You knew what the problem was”. That is what motivates me.

These comments come from Charles’ work on the documentary entitled “Harmony”, after the Prince’s book of the same name, scheduled to debut in the U.S. in November. “Harmony” talks of Charles’ beliefs that commerce and development have destroyed the English countryside.

The way nature presents itself – we’ve turned it into merely a mechanical process.

The prince has always firmly believed that nature and the universe are a ‘living entity’ that must be cherished. He supports farmers and sells organic foods. Charles was even teased once for talking to his plants, but his views have never swayed in the 22 years since he took up the mantle as an eco-friendly royal. He maintains that he has a “sacred duty of stewardship of the natural order of things”.

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The Sovereign Prince of Monaco recently announced that he will not be going ahead with plans to expand the principality.

The Prince, who promotes the green life and even drives an electric car, had expressed concerns about the principality’s expansion into the sea and the environmental implications. He was, however, once an enthusiastic backer of the idea of “reclaiming” land from the sea as a way to increase prosperity for Monaco. The principality cannot possibly expand anywhere else except into the Mediterranean, so it seemed like the thing to do.

Now with the world’s economic chaos on top of environmental concerns, the deal’s off.

“Basically, it has all been a big waste of time and money. Albert has a lot of explaining to do,” complained a lawyer associated with a French construction group that had spent £5m on engineering studies.

They’re a little cranky.

While he’s not irritating developers, Prince Albert is frustrating his subjects with a serious lack of wedding action. Charlene Wittstock, his companion of the last couple of years, has been reported to have immersed herself in learning the French language in order to prepare for a future role as a Sovereign Princess. Don’t hold your breath, though.

Speaking of Europe, here’s a link to the “Victory in Europe” series featured at the Times. Because I feel like it.

This article – based on The Times Online’s report on Monaco expansion.