'American-style' lawsuit growth irks prince

LONDON -- He's already known as a critic of modern architecture, an advocate of organic farming and a fan of hunting with hounds.

But Prince Charles, it seems, is also a foe of political correctness and what he calls an "American-style" growth in personal litigation.

Charles' office, which confirmed Wednesday that he has been sharing his opinions with government ministers, says it's part of his royal role.

Officially, the government doesn't mind. Prime Minister Tony Blair "has an excellent relationship with the Prince of Wales and welcomes the fact that he keeps in touch with him and other ministers," Blair's office said.

The Daily Mail newspaper reported that the heir to the throne has been writing regularly to government ministers to protest everything from the "politically correct" felling of a row of horse chestnut trees to the way meals are cooked for the elderly.

To the fiercely royalist Daily Mail -- which accused the government of leaking the letters in an effort to shame Charles -- this was only the prince doing his bit for the common man. But one Labor lawmaker said the prince should run for Parliament if he wants a more political role.

"Let's not kid ourselves that Prince Charles is a representative of ordinary people. This is someone who was born with a mouthful of silver spoons, a mega-wealthy farmer who's looking for things to do so he fires off letters," said Ian Davidson, who represents a district in Glasgow, Scotland.

But Lord Russell, a member of the House of Lords, said the right to advise "is the central role of monarchy" -- a line adopted by Charles' office at St. James's Palace.

Traditionally, the royals stay out of politics, but Charles has spoken out on a range of pet subjects. At times, he has shown the kind of bluntness associated with his father, Prince Philip.