Prince Charles to retain his right of veto

David Cameron 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, Downing Street said yesterday.

According to reports, documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show that ministers have sought consent from Charles 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 multimillion pound estate which provides the heir to the throne with his £18m-a-year private income.

Subjects covered ranged from gambling to the London Olympics, wreck removals, co-operative societies, coroners, economic development and construction, marine and coastal access, housing and regeneration, energy and planning, said the paper.

A spokeswoman for No 10 said that it was established protocol, as set out in the parliamentary bible, Erskine May, that "the Prince's consent is required for a Bill which affects the rights of the principality of Wales, the earldom of Chester or which makes specific reference to or makes special provision for the Duchy of Cornwall". PA