British royal Prince Charles has called for the closure of McDonalds fast food outlets worldwide in a bid to curb rising obesity levels. The prince targeted the chain as he attended the launch of a public health awareness campaign to fight diabetes in the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking to nutritionist Nadine Tayara at the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi, Charles said, "Have you got anywhere with McDonald's, have you tried getting it banned? That's the key."

The prince has made no secret of his organic preferences in the past. In 1986 he set up a farm on his Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire, England outlawing the use of artificial pesticides or fertilizers.