The Prince of Wales has resigned as a patron of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

The falling-out centres on a foreword Charles wrote for a handbook on the restoration of old houses. The heir to the throne used the opportunity to express his belief that buildings should always be restored in their original style. The society, which frequently uses modern architecture and design, asked Charles to amend his conservative views. The Prince refused and subsequently resigned from the Society.

In the light of recent publicity SPAB regrets that HRH The Prince of Wales was unable to renew his Patronage of the Society when it expired last year.  SPAB secretary Philip Venning says: 

"In the light of recent publicity the Society regrets that HRH The Prince of Wales was unable to renew his Patronage of the Society when it expired last year.

We share a high proportion of the same objectives on issues like craft training, traditional materials and energy saving. However we do hold differing views on the way to repair and extend old buildings, arguing for good, new design rather than an imitation of past styles.

One positive outcome was a discussion, entitled Honesty in Conservation – Building a Consensus, arranged last month by the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment."