Before the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 the Queen said Scots should “think very carefully about the future”. Now Charles has made a subtle plea to the nation to stay within the United Kingdom. In aerial photographs of the Prince of Wales’ Ayrshire estate, Dumfries House, reveal a planting scheme that is led out in a pattern to resemble the Union Flag.

Prince Charles is also said to have signalled his concerns about Scottish independence during the Burns Night before the 2014 referendum.

After watching Prince Charles reading Auld Lang Syne on Burns Night, body language expert Judi James said: “The Prince’s version is not a fun one and despite a small slewed smile near the end of his recital he employs body language and vocal tone cues and clues to suggest there should be messages read here about the mooted referendum to take Scotland from the UK.”

Dumfries House in the west of Scotland has been renovated by the Prince of Wales over the last 14 years.

It is now open to the public and has a centre that offers a range of courses such as traditional skill development.

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“It now acts as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area.

“We welcome hundreds of pupils and students to the estate each month for a range of hands-on learning experiences, including heritage crafts, food, farming, hospitality and horticulture, which all champion sustainable practices, increase self-confidence and employability, and help preserve heritage skills which are at risk of being lost.”

A Palace source spoke about how Prince Charles and Camilla spend much of their time at the house.

Indeed, Charles and Camilla are spending an increasing amount of time in Scotland. He is often seen walking around the grounds, talking to the head gardener.

Speaking to the Daily Mail the Palace source said: “The Prince walks the walk and is prepared to get his hands dirty.

“I’ve seen him picking up rubbish as he goes around the grounds.

“It’s about the education centre teaching children how not to waste food, the apprenticeships training people to work in hospitality.

“The point is, it’s as much about the people as it is about the building.

“That’s what matters to the Prince, how does Dumfries House change and help the local community?”