Prince Charles says he has been shown "no compassion" by the British public over his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.

The Prince, who is preparing to marry Mrs Parker Bowles on April 8, made the candid remarks to TV journalist Gavin Hewitt in 2003.

"I thought the British people were supposed to be compassionate. I don't see much of it," the Prince is said to have told Hewitt, when asked about the perception of his relationship.

"I don't see any reason why I should define my private life.

"All my life, people have been telling me what to do, I'm tired of it. My private life has become an industry. People are making money out of it."

The remarks appear in a new book by Hewitt which says the Prince claimed his private life had been compromised.

He also hit out at those calling for a Swedish-style, pared-down monarchy. "Those who advocate it, have they seen it?,"

Charles told the reporter.

"Most of those countries have a population of two million. We're a population of 60 million."

Clarence House has refused to discuss details of the conversation.