The Prince of Wales has resigned as Patron of SPAB (the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) after a foreword he had written for SPAB’s Old House Handbook was rejected by the organisation.

In a statement, SPAB says: “We share a high proportion of the same objectives on issues like craft training, traditional materials and energy saving. Indeed, we commend him for the various initiatives he has taken. However, we do hold differing views on the best way to repair and extend old buildings, arguing for good, new design rather than reliance on past styles.”