Charles hopes to join union

Charles is keen to restore his public image

The Prince of Wales has applied to join one of Britain's biggest unions, the Transport and General Workers (T&G).

If Prince Charles is accepted as an honorary member, he will be following in the footsteps of his grandmother, the Queen Mother.

The union says it is happy for Prince Charles to join because of his charitable work for the low paid.

But membership would open the prince to extra scrutiny as an employer, and some union members have expressed anger at the prospect.

The move came about after a T&G official recommended it to the prince at a function of the Prince's Trust.

Tough time

His private secretary, Sir Michael Peat, later wrote to the union to express an interest.

Prince Charles has endured a torrid time in recent months.

Before I recommend acceptance of his application to join, I want to make sure he's a good employer

Jack Dromey
T&G

A report by Mr Peat into the running of St James's Palace confirmed servants sold off royal gifts.

The report also criticised the palace's handling of a male rape allegation.

Jack Dromey, a T&G national official, told BBC News: "Before I recommend acceptance of his application to join, I want to make sure he's a good employer.

"Whether you work for Ford, the council or the heir to the throne, you're entitled to fair pay and respect."

One member added: "I think it's ridiculous because when did any of his family do anything for members of the T&G?"