It was revealed by a senior royal source yesterday after the heir to the throne highlighted the Disasters Emergency Committee's Afghanistan Crisis Appeal. Charles said: "The situation in Afghanistan is truly catastrophic.

       "More than half the population will face acute hunger and freezing temperatures this winter, including one million children under five who could die unless they receive immediate treatment for malnutrition."

       The 15 UK charities in the appeal have bought stoves and firewood and are supplying clothing and screening children for malnutrition.

       The UK Government has agreed to match the first ￡10million donated by the public.

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