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Prince Charles calls for action in TV environment film

LOS ANGELES - Britain’s Prince Charles brings his passion for the environment to US viewers this week with the broadcast of a new TV film designed as a call to action on global climate change.

The hour-long film “Harmony” premieres on NBC Friday, showcasing the work and ideas of the heir to the British throne on issues like rain forest protection, sustainable farming and the importance of restoring balance between man and nature.

“A lot of the things that are very close to the prince’s heart, and have been at the centre of his work for a long time, are featured in the movie,” the film’s co-producer Stuart Sender told reporters on Tuesday.

Charles, 62, is well known in Britain as a speaker on environmental issues and as patron of more than 300 charities and organizations — many of them related to quality of life and environmental issues.

He introduced organic farming on his own rural estates, and in 1990 launched his Duchy Originals brand of food and other environmentally sustainable products. But his ideas are less well-known to American audiences. “In a lot of ways people are going to meet (him) for the first time...This is someone who everybody knows of, but doesn’t really know,” Sender said in a conference call.

“People are really going to be amazed and surprised to meet the prince in a way they never have met him before,” he said.

“Harmony” also showcases the people and ideas behind sustainable living projects around the world. It is billed as a “practical call to action” showing how individuals, communities and nations can help combat climate change and other issues.

Sender said the impetus for “Harmony” came from Charles himself. A book and a children’s version also are being released to accompany the film.

“He felt there were a lot of urgent issues to be discussed...He is very involved in the movie as a narrator, and on camera and we collaborated on all the material.

“Some of the prince’s projects, or those he supports, are also featured in the film”,” Sender said.

Friday’s broadcast during NBC’s annual “green week” features a separate interview with Prince Charles, recorded in August in Scotland, in which he talks about his role in the royal family and his relationship with sons William and Harry.

Separately on Tuesday, Prince William announced his engagement to long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton.