No plans to ‘undermine’ Prince of Wales

THE Prime Minister has no plans to change laws which require the Government to gain the consent of the Prince of Wales to pass legislation which might impact on his private interests.

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show that ministers have sought consent from the Prince on at least a dozen government bills since 2005.

The Prince’s consent is required if the bill affects the interests of the Duchy of Cornwall – the multi-million pound estate which provides the heir to the throne with his £18 million a year private income.

Subjects covered ranged from gambling to the London Olympics, energy and planning. But Downing Street declined to confirm yesterday whether any planned legislation had been blocked or amended as a result of objections from the Prince.