The private pursuits and interests of The Prince of Wales are as varied as the concerns, like the welfare of young people and the environment, to which he devotes his public life.

The Prince is a keen watercolourist and paints whenever his schedule allows. Lithographs of his paintings are sold and all proceeds go to The Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation.

His Royal Highness enjoys gardening, especially in his organic garden at Highgrove, HRH's family home in Gloucestershire.

The Prince enjoys hedgelaying and has laid many of the hedges at the Duchy Home Farm, the organic farm HRH runs near Highgrove.

In pursuing some of his interests, The Prince is able to give support to organisations in the worlds of art, music and theatre - as he does in many other fields - through becoming Patron or President.

The Prince and The Duchess regularly attend theatre and opera performances and symphony concerts, sometimes as part of a fundraising event and sometimes in a private capacity.

For example, His Royal Highness is Patron or President of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the British Youth Opera, the Welsh National Opera, The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Royal Ballet, to name but a few.

Over the years His Royal Highness has taken part in many different sports including racing, scuba diving and sailing. Until November 2005 The Prince raised money for charity by playing polo. He decided to retire from the game after playing it for over 40 years.

In total, The Prince of Wales is Patron or President of around 400 organisations.