Prince Charles criticised after becoming patron of homeopathy group

The Prince of Wales has come under fire after he became the patron of a homeopathy group, the Faculty of Homeopathy, which supports registered medical professionals with alternative treatment.

Following the announcement on Tuesday, Prince Charles came under criticism from scientists for associating himself with a group that is dedicated to a practice whose worth has come under question and which is banned by the NHS.

The Government’s chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, also once dismissed the practice, telling a parliamentary committee that homeopathy was “rubbish”.

Emeritus Professor Edzard Ernst, who had previously labelled Prince Charles a "snake oil salesman" and claimed he had to retire early from University of Exeter after a complaint from the Prince’s private secretary questioned how Prince Charles could make a difference in his post.

“In view of Charles’s long love affair with homeopathy, this news is unsurprising.

“The question is whether this will change anything about the sharp decline homeopathy has taken in this and several other countries, and whether it will alter the verdicts of dozens of independent organisations which recently have certified it to be a pure placebo therapy,” he told The Guardian.

Announcing his appointment, the group said that it was an “enormous honour” to have Prince Charles on board. which is celebrating its 175th anniversary.

Gary Smyth, its president, said he looked forward to working with him, and announced his delight.

He said: "As the faculty celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, it is an enormous honour for us to receive the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and I am delighted to announce this news today.

“This news is also a fitting memorial to our late friend, colleague and former faculty president, Dr Peter Fisher, who was a global champion of homeopathy.

“I look forward to working with members, friends and supporters of the faculty, continuing our important work, promoting Homeopathy within both public and professional circles and maintaining awareness of this system of medicine".