The brilliant American pollster Frank Luntz — a regular on the BBC’s Newsnight — last week held a focus group on climate change for the broadcaster.

He assembled an articulate, representative group of British people to discuss the issue. Afterwards he said he’d never led a more passionate group in his career.

The experts cited included, Al Gore, Gordon Brown (Prime Minister), David Cameron (Conservative leader) and Ming Campbell (Liberal leader) among others. Tapes were played of their speeches on environmental issues and the group asked to rate them electronically.

One figure stood out in this exercise. His graph shot up to the top as soon as he began speaking. Comment included, “He speaks from the heart”, “He’s not after our vote”, “He’s been at it for decades”, “He really means what he says”. You get the picture.

Who was this paragon of environmental friendliness?

Charles, Prince of Wales.

There’s life in the old dog yet. It would be foolish to write him off as a popular King some time in the future.