An outspoken crusader for environmental causes for years, Prince Charles could easily be dubbed the “Green Prince“. But while he’s been busy turning his home green, running his car on white wine, and pleading the cause to anyone willing to listen, his folks’ house – sorry, palace – is an environmental nightmare.

Buckingham Palace was recently given the worst possible score (0 out of 10) in an energy efficiency report completed by a team of surveyors from renewable energy firm Navitron.  One hundred and seventy buildings around London were reviewed and Buckingham came dead last.

Thermal imaging showed the palace haemorrhaging heat from every possible surface, including the roof, walls, and curtained windows. Of course, this isn’t all that surprising, given that the palace was built in 1820. But maybe it’s time to do a little retrofitting – they could start with draught-proofing the windows and adding some secondary glazing. With 600 rooms in the palace these renovations might cost more than a few quid, but think of what they’ll save in power bills.

Image: Starry Eyed Ali