Prince Charles likens himself to 'tree hugging' ancestor Henry VIII

London, July 9 (ANI): Prince Charles has likened himself to Henry VIII, saying his ancestor was a tree hugger, just like him.

The Royal made the reference while urging action to stop climate change during the 2009 Richard Dimbleby Lecture in London.

"Henry instigated the very first piece of green legislation in this country. In ordering the building of a great many ships, he effectively founded the Royal Navy," The Sun quoted him as saying.

"But there came a moment when Henry realised that creating his fleet was putting too much strain on the natural supply of wood, particularly oak," he added.

Charles further hailed the then king's introduction of the Preservation of Woods law in 1543, to ensure that the country did not run out of timber.

He said: "It was a simple and rather elegant piece of long-term thinking."

He added: "What was instinctively understood by many in King Henry's time was the importance of working with the grain of Nature to maintain a balance." (ANI)