Duke to reveal his green passion

Last Modified: 12 May 2008
Source: ITN

The Duke of Edinburgh's passion for the environment is set to be revealed during a fly-on-the-wall style documentary.

Speaking with Sir Trevor McDonald for the ITV1 programme to be aired tonight, the Duke speaks about his long-running involvement in the World Wildlife Fund international and the need to take a practical approach to conservation work.

The broadcaster has been given unparalleled access to Prince Philip for the series which also features interviews with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Sir David Attenborough who talk candidly about their encounters with him.

The series shows conservation projects initiated at Sandringham and includes footage of the Bedford Smith electric van that the Duke used to drive in the 80s and his current eco-friendly run-around - an LPG-powered former taxi cab.

He reflects on bringing conservationists and religious leaders, including the Pope, together to help spread his environmental message.

The Duke told Sir Trevor: "It seemed to me that most religions attributed the world to some special creation and I said, 'Well look, if you believe God created the world you ought to take an interest in its well-being."'

The first programme, being shown on ITV1 at 9pm, also features a "rich seam of film archive" of the Duke's travels and footage of events such as the recent state visit of French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his new wife Carla Bruni.

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