Prince Charles has openly discussed fears for his grandchildren.
The Prince of Wales says the fact that climate change is reaching a 'tipping point' and 'we face an urgent global crisis' keeps him up at night. WATCH: Camilla's hat causes awkward traditional Maori greeting
The 71-year-old royal revealed his concern when talking to an audience at Lincoln University during his tour of New Zealand.
He said: “For the past 40-50 years, I have been driven by an overwhelming desire not to be confronted by my grandchildren demanding to know why I didn't do anything to prevent them being bequeathed a poisoned and destroyed planet.”
The royal added: “If we were to think about nature and her assets as humanity's own bank account, it is clear that we have been on a dizzying spending spree for centuries.
Camilla enjoying her wine tasting.
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“We now find ourselves dangerously overdrawn and urgently need to figure out how we are going to repay the mounting debt.
“And, if we were to think of this planet as a patient, any self-respecting doctor would long ago have made a precautionary intervention on the basis of the symptoms displayed.”
Prince Charles shakes hands with members of the Royal New Zealand Army.
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Charles mentioned his grandchildren, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s three children Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four and Prince Louis, one, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new bub Archie, saying he has an 'overwhelming desire' to protect their future.
Milly HaddrickMilly is a journalist who passionately devours all the latest and juiciest news. A devout tea enthusiast who's a firm believer in quality downtime, Milly's weekends are usually spent relaxing with a big plate of food, a nice cuppa and the crossword.