WASHINGTON (AFP) - An animal rights activist wearing a goose costume thanked Britain's Prince Charles in front of the White House on Thursday for his opposition to foie gras.

"Charlie is my darling for banning foie gras from royal menus," read a placard held up by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) activist.

Peta labels as cruel the force-feeding of ducks and geese required to produce the liver delicacy.

"We wanted to thank him for his kindness and for setting a good example," the activist, Ashley Byrne, told AFP.

In 2008, Prince Charles said he had ordered his personal chefs to stop buying foie gras.

The heir to the British throne, currently visiting the United States with his wife Camilla, was due to meet President Barack Obama later in the day at the White House.