Prince Charles vows not to meddle as king

Britain's Prince Charles said on Wednesday he was not "stupid" enough to keep speaking out on contentious public issues once he becomes king in a rare interview about his future role.

The eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II -- formally known as the Prince of Wales -- has long been seen as interfering because of his private lobbying of ministers and public statements on a range of subjects from architecture to the environment.

But he told the BBC in a documentary marking his 70th birthday next week that he did not intend to be a meddling king.

"I do realise that it is a separate exercise being sovereign. So of course I understand entirely how that should operate," he said.

He added when asked if his public campaigning would continue: "No, it won't. I'm not that stupid."

British royals traditionally steer well clear of politics -- something perfected by the 92-year-old queen since her coronation in 1953.

But Prince Charles has lobbied on a variety of issues, as shown in a series of letters between him and government ministers known as the "black spider" memos.