Al Gore presents environment award to Prince Charles in New York

Former Vice President Al Gore presented Britain's Prince Charles with an award for his work on behalf of the environment, as the Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla, wrapped up a weekend trip to the United States.

Photo: Al Gore presents environment award to Prince Charles in New York

Gore, who served under President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, presented Charles with the Global Environmental Citizen Award, given by the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School. Gore praised the prince's knowledge and passion, and said he and the prince have had conversations about the environment for 20 years.

The prince said he was "touched" at being honored, especially by Gore.

"We had great fun talking about all these issues long ago," the prince said. "I've been so fascinated watching his career, and to receive this award from him really has been a particular privilege but also immensely special."

While Charles has won kudos from environmentalists for his calls to action on global warming, British environmentalists have said the prince should have abstained from flying to the United States. In response, Charles' office said it would cancel a skiing trip to Switzerland, a gesture that would reduce his carbon footprint - the carbon dioxide created by his travels.

Earlier Sunday, Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited the city's Harlem neighborhood, stopping at a school where the prince took some time to shoot baskets with a basketball team.

The royal couple arrived in New York from Philadelphia by a private train Sunday and visited the Harlem Children's Zone's Promise Academy. They were on a weekend visit to the United States that focuses on youth development, urban renewal and environmental stewardship.

At the school, they visited an after-school program that teaches middle school students about finances. The participants receive money if their virtual stock investments are successful, and do not lose any money if their picks are not successful.

Charles and Camilla also watched a rehearsal for a Shakespeare play and a basketball practice. Charles, wearing a blue double-breasted blue suit, blue shirt and striped tie, attempted two shots. He missed the first but made the second, drawing applause.

"My son was up all night waiting for this," said Arona Pratt, the mother of one of the players. Pratt said Camilla, who wore a brown coat with a beaded collar and leopard print cuffs, "is pretty."

After visiting the school, the couple went on a terrace giving them a panoramic view of Harlem, including the office building where former President Clinton has an office and the Hotel Theresa, where Cuban leader Fidel Castro stayed decades ago, the AP said.

Earlier in the day, the couple waved to adoring fans in Philadelphia, where they spent the day Saturday, as they walked to a private church service. Afterward, they boarded the New York-bound private train, accompanied by some Philadelphia-area community leaders.

The couple visited New York once before, in November 2005, when they visited the site of the World Trade Center.