London, Oct 31 (IANS) Prince Charles has the right to veto any British government legislation that affects his private interests, a media report said Monday.
The Prince of Wales must give his consent on issues that could affect the Duchy of Cornwall, his 700-million-pound private business and property empire, according to documents obtained under freedom of information.
Because of a constitutional loophole, ministers had to seek Charles’ permission on at least a dozen bills, an investigation by the Guardian found.
Charles has been consulted on issues like road safety and the 2012 London Olympics as well as housing and planning reform.
This veto power was, however, different from the ‘royal assent’ — a constitutional formality that the queen has to give to all laws passed by parliament.
Anthony Gueterbock or Labour leader Lord Berkeley said: ‘We should know why he is being asked and the government should publish the answers.’
‘If he is given these powers purely because he owns land in Cornwall it is pretty stupid. What about the other landowners who must also be affected by changes to legislation?’
The daily said Charles has in the past been accused of ‘meddling’ in government affairs.
In 2009, he reportedly wrote to at least eight government departments, including the Treasury and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to offer his opinions to ministers.
