I'M SPEAKING up for Prince Charles this week. It's time we stopped bullying and bashing our heir to the throne every time he decides to have an opinion.
This has nothing to do with being royalist or republican - it's just plain unfair at a time when we modern Elizabethans are probably more vociferous than at any other time in history.
Everyone has an opinion on everything but we aren't in danger of being thrown in the Tower by the royals if we moan about them. Nor will our government incarcerate us if we say they're rubbish - in fact they expect it!
And what about the celebrities who visit little African villages in their designer jeans to show us the plight of the residents before jetting back to their spa pools? Do we criticise them for 'interfering'?
Some undoubtedly do good, particularly those linked to serious charities such as Comic Relief, and it's amazing what individuals can achieve when they use their names wisely. Think Joanna Lumley (Gurkhas) and 'Saint' Bob Geldof.
Princess Diana, although frowned on by the politicians, was applauded by everyone else for her outspokenness about the horror of landmines, something her son, Harry, seems to have taken up.
So, what has Charles done that is so terrible? He has a love of the environment, buildings, architecture and everything organic, yet he cannot express this without being accused of interfering.
If he writes a letter to criticise a design it's not his fault if it is leaked to the press. Why shouldn't he have a view when he is clearly not in danger of bringing down the monarchy or the government?
He's against GM food - let him say so. A lot of people agree but will never be heard.
We should be applauding him for caring. It's not like he's got to prove anything. He's not looking for a promotion. That's in the hands of fate.
FINALLY: When walking up the hill to Hillingdon station last week, a rat scuttled across my path. Is that unusual, or do I need to call out the Pied Piper?
