The energy facility will be used to power a state-of-the-art clinic that will offer free ‘holistic’ care for patients referred by NHS doctors. The centre was built in the grounds of Dumfries House, in Ayrshire that the Prince saved for the nation a decade ago. Besides complementary therapies, the purpose-built centre will offer fitness and education programmes.

Under the plans, the Duke of Rothesay’s charity installed a new geothermal heat system one metre below ground and uses the earth as a heat source in the winter or as a heat sink in the summer. 

The design takes advantage of the moderate temperatures to boost efficiency.

The new system, is also expected to boost efficiency and reduce the operational costs of Dumfries House heating and cooling systems.

The Prince has actively championed, promoted and spearheaded causes that address important global challenges focused around the environment which include climate change, deforestation and ocean pollution.

The system is produced by Ecoliving, which describes the F1145 system as an “inexpensive” and “environmentally friendly” heating system. 

It adds: “With an integrated immersion heater, circulation pumps and a control system, the heat production is both safe and economical.”

Currently, around 50 per cent of the Prince’s office and domestic energy use comes from renewable sources such as woodchip boilers and “green” electricity – with solar panels last year installed on the roof of Clarence House.

He also took delivery of the Royal Family’s first all-electric car and now uses the Jaguar I-Paces for all his official duties in London.

Planning documents submitted to East Ayrshire Council by The Prince’s Foundation in July reveal that the underfloor heating system was put in place whilst the Health and Wellbeing Centre was being constructed. 

In a letter submitted to East Ayrshire Council in July, The Prince’s Foundation admitted that the system was put in without planning permission. 

The application form asked ‘Has the work or change of use already started?’ and the ‘yes’ box was ticked.

Granting approval, a report by planning officers said: “The ground collector and flow and return pipework will all be located underground ensuring the proposals is, in the long term, going to have no visual impact on the landscape.”

The Princes of Wales helped arrange a £45million deal to buy Dumfries House and its collection of Chippendale furniture.

He led a consortium of charities and the Scottish Government to make the purchase in 2007, with his own charitable foundation contributing £20million.

The plans come after he was given the go-ahead to build a luxury wedding venue there.

The 18th century property, designed by the Adam brothers, was put up for sale by its former owner, the aristocrat and former F1 racing driver Johnny Dumfries.

Dumfries House dates back to 1754, when John, Robert and James Adam submitted their completed drawings for construction of the building. 

Original furnishings were based on the rococo style, both English and Scottish.

It opened to the public in the summer of 2008 following intensive restoration work. 

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