PRINCE Charles has given the Clarets a royal seal of approval after revealing for the first time that he is a Burnley FC fan.

His Royal Highness told an audience at a reception and dinner at Windsor Castle that he was a keen fan of the Clarets.

The club has responded by sending Prince Charles a complimentary VIP season ticket and urging him to attend a match in the directors box.

His support of the town is well-known having visited four times in the past six years but it is the first time he has ever said he is a supporter of the club.

Speaking at a ceremony for the British Asian Trust he said: “A consortium of my charities, including the British Asian Trust, has been working in Burnley.

“Hence, some of you asked this evening whether I support a British football club and I said “yes – Burnley”.

“And people have responded “Burnley?” Oh yes, because Burnley has been through some very challenging times and I’m trying to find ways of helping to regenerate and raise aspirations and self-esteem in that part of the world.

“My charities have been working there together to demonstrate that an integrated approach can produce the best dividends.”

Prince Charles’ charities, including the Prince’s Trust, have done extensive work in the town and East Lancashire in general.

On his visit in February 2010 he spoke of his affection for the Weavers Triangle development plans and its importance in the regeneration of the town.

On that occasion he also visited Turf Moor and met chairman Barry Kilby and then manager Brian Laws, and was keen to hear how the club’s battle to stay in the Premier League was going.

A club spokesman said: “It’s no surprise to see Charles reaffirming his support for Burnley Football Club as we know he keeps a close eye on our results.

“In fact, as part of our new season ticket package we are sending a complimentary VIP season ticket to Charles and we hope to see him cheering on the Clarets from the Directors’ Box next season… hopefully in the Premier League.”

Phil Miller, of the Accy Clarets supporters club, said: “Burnley by Royal Approval, you can’t get any better than that.

“It is great to hear the club’s name mentioned in such high circles, it can’t do any harm. We had Ted Heath and Lord Montgomery of Alamein coming in the days when Bob Lord was here, but the Monarchy is a step up from that.

“Maybe it should be Clarets House rather than Clarence House! Let’s hope we can get to Wembley come May, and Prince Charles can be in the Royal Box sat next to Barry Kilby. That would be a privilege for Prince Charles to sit next to Barry!”

Alan Beecroft, of the Colne Clarets supporters group, said: “It is wonderful news, it’s great publicity for the club. For Prince Charles to come out and say he supports Burnley is tremendous, it would be great to see him at a game.

“I know his charities have done a lot for Burnley and he has visited once or twice before, including going to the Turf Moor. I’ve met Prince Andrew before in Burnley and I know he has said he looks for the clubs results, so we’ve not done badly out of the Royal Family.”