Latest news: Apparently the Guardian have launched another appeal under the Freedom of Information Act for access to Charles' lobbying letters to ministers. For anyone unaware of the issue, here's an extract from the Independent's October 2012 report
The Attorney General Dominic Grieve has used a rare ministerial veto to block publication of the letters, overturning the decision made by three judges at a Freedom of Information tribunal
The letters, thirty of them, written between September 1st 2004 and April 1st 2005 represent, according to Mr Grieve, the Prince’s “most deeply held personal views and beliefs” and “are in many cases particularly frank.” Consequently, their publication could “damage … the Prince of Wales’ political neutrality” and “seriously undermine the Prince’s ability to fulfil his duties when he becomes King.”
The Sovereign cannot be seen to favour one political party above another, or to engage in political controversy,” Mr Grieve said, in a ten page document explaining his decision. “Any such perception would be seriously damaging to his role as future Monarch, because if he forfeits his position of political neutrality as heir to the throne, he cannot easily recover it when he is King
This is an exceptional case meriting use of the Ministerial veto to prevent disclosure and to safeguard the public interest.”
Some of us believe that Charles should have thought of the implications putting pen to paper, especially as we're constantly told how wise and well prepared for kingship he is. It hardly seems suitable for him to attempt to bend the law in his favour - or is this yet another example of him trying to avoid responsibility for his own actions??