Prince Charles 'shuns investments in fossil fuel companies'

The Prince of Wales reportedly does not have any fossil fuel holdings in private investments or charitable foundations

Is Prince Charles is too politically active to become King? (Getty Images)

Prince Charles has reportedly become the latest high profile figure to shun fossil fuel company holdings in both his private investments and charitable trusts.

The heir to the throne has joined a number of institution and individuals who are divesting assets relating to oil, gas and coal companies, the Financial Times reports.

A spokesperson for the Virgin Group said its founder Richard Branson has taken a similar approach, while the National Trust, the Church of England and the universities of Oxford and Edinburgh are reviewing their shares in fossil fuel companies, according to the newspaper.

Prince Charles does not openly discuss his finances, but a source at Buckingham Palace told The FT that his private investments and charitable foundation “do not have any fossil fuel holdings”.

Prince Charles is vocal about climate change and environmental issues and used a recent address in the US to stress the need for conservation in order to maintain “ecosystem resilience”.

Earlier this year, he also urged governments to phase out subsides worth trillions of dollars given to the fossil fuel industry, according to Business Green.

His dedication to advocating environmental issues led designer Vivienne Westwood to pay tribute to Charles at her Milan fashion show in January, declaring: “If Prince Charles had ruled the world according to his priorities during the last 30 years, we would be all right and we would be tackling climate change.”