Wind Farms and Fairy Tales

In his usual inimitable style, the Duke of Edinburgh has proclaimed that wind farms “are useless”.

Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband of 64 years, embraces much of today’s technology. Wind turbines, however, fail to impress.

Philip has accused people who support the building of wind farms as believing in a “fairy tale”.

The Telegraph reports:

When Esbjorn Wilmar, of Infinergy, which builds and operates turbines, introduced himself to the Duke at a reception in London, he found himself on the end of an outspoken attack on his industry.

“He said they were absolutely useless, completely reliant on subsidies and an absolute disgrace,” said Mr Wilmar. “I was surprised by his very frank views.”

(Mr. Wilmar has obviously never been privy to the stories of Philip’s legendary quips and strong opinions. One might be taken aback!)

Despite his apparent disapproval, the Duke is not against green energy. In September, Archimedes Screw turbines were installed at Romney Weir on the River Thames, just a few miles from Windsor Castle. They will be ready to operate this month.

A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace confirmed that the royal household “now has an agreement in place to purchase the energy generated by the hydro scheme”.

“We have been looking at this for a number of years. It is one of a number of green initiatives introduced at royal residences by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.”

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The Queen welcomes President of Turkey

The Queen and her government have welcomed the President of Turkey today with a 41-gun royal salute and royal band.

Abdullah Gul is in the country for a three-day state visit. He will be meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron for talks regarding Turkey’s entrance into the European Union. Turkey is a candidate country for EU membership following the Helsinki European Council of December 1999.

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Royal Row Between Brothers

According to this Chicago Sun-Times article, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are under their Uncle Charles’ skin.

The “usually reliable” palace source for this article states that Charles has been making sharp comments regarding how they represent the royal family since the debut of THAT hat.

During the royal wedding in April, Princess Beatrice debuted her infamous hat, which has been compared to everything from ovaries to horns. Prince Charles was not amused. Fearful, perhaps, that they are leaning a little too close to their mother Sarah Ferguson’s wild and wacky ways.

Charles and his brother, Prince Andrew, father to Beatrice and Eugenie, are facing off over the role of the princesses in public life. Charles thinks they should be cut out of the senior royal line up and and in a professional career. Andrew wants them to have protection officers and a more prominent royal role.

What will become of the York Princesses? Stay tuned….