London: Prince Charles has told some of his employees to use bicycles in the fight against global warming.
He is even prepared to travel to London by commuter train from a station near Highgrove.
Charles wants to be remembered as the "Green Prince" and is making a personal statement by planning a radical shake-up of his travel plans.
It comes after the government outlined its Climate Change Bill and follows David Cameron's calls for a legal limit on harmful carbon emissions.
Charles will stop using helicopters and jets on official engagements whenever possible. He intends to make more use of the royal train and has ordered his chauffeurs to leave their cars behind and travel by bicycle when they check arrangements ahead of his appointments in London.
Charles has also told aides to find a more environmentally-friendly fuel for his fleet of cars. He has even suggested commuting to London on the train from Kemble station in Gloucestershire instead of driving or going by helicopter.
The Prince wants the new system in place for him and Camilla by February. But it is causing a headache for palace staff and some senior courtiers fear his green plans could embarrass the Queen and other members of the royal family who continue to use helicopters and jets.
Other palace figures have warned him that while they agree with his bold plan in principle it could prove difficult to implement logistically. They claim the security implications could also prove difficult.
It is understood that Charles's office at Clarence House had planned to unveil the radical changes at a showpiece media briefing but it was put on hold while aides try to smooth over the "contradictions".
Charles has been outspoken on the threat of climate change through global warming. He even took his message to the White House. He delivered a stinging rebuke of America's record on the environment in front of President Bush.
