THE Prince of Wales is to fly to America for an official visit in the private plane of a businessman in a bid save on travel costs.

Joe Allbritton, a US financier who is a personal friend of Charles, offered him the use of his small jet when he learned about the Prince’s trip to the US next month.

It is thought to be the first time the heir to the throne has used an aircraft paid for by a private individual for an official visit.

The move is likely to save British taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds. But Charles may face criticism from the green lobby as the aircraft will make a number of trips without passengers.

It will fly over empty to collect the Prince, four members of his household and another individual and then, after taking Charles and his party back to the UK, will return with just the crew.

Mr Allbritton, who is a corporate supporter of the Prince’s charities, is also rumoured to have been invited to the Royal Wedding.

Charles will fly to Washington a few days after Prince William marries Kate Middleton to call on US President Barack Obama at the White House and make a speech at a conference on sustainable agriculture at Georgetown University.