Prince Charles has been in hot water several times before but his target has rarely been this high profile. As he toured a new diabetes centre in the United Arab Emirates he picked on the fast food chain McDonald's. Speaking to a nutritionist about the country's new health awareness campaign he was heard saying. "Have you got anywhere with McDonald's? Have you tried getting it banned? That's the key." Royal reporter Tony Jones could hardly believe what he was hearing. "I was a little surprised and I just kept on scribbling really. Then afterwards I thought the fact that he said that at a public event - maybe privately, but not in public." Not everyone in Charles' family shares his view. His mother has visited a drive-through McDonald's and his sons Princes Harry and William have both been photographed eating the occasional burger. (James Whitaker, Royal biographer): "He has overstepped the mark and gone into an area of which he has a certain amount of information but not very much. All he has to do is look to the Queen. Does she ever make crass remarks like this? The answer is never." McDonald's - which has been known to sue people who criticise it - also hit back with a statement. "We know that other Royal family members have visited us and have probably got a more up to date picture of us. It is disappointing as he is clearly unaware of some of the moves we have made over time to improve choice and variety on our menu." Britain's future king has previously spoken out on architecture,complementary medicine and politics. And few will be surprised about this organic farmer's opinion of fast food. It's just the public nature of its making which many are surprised - even angry - about. Sonia Legg, Reuters. http://rtv.rtrlondon.co.uk/2007-02-28/12c58ae2.html