Prince Charles 'Offered Veto' Over 12 Government Bills

Prince Charles 'Can Veto Government Bills'

The Guardian reports a constitutional oddity means the Prince can shoot down any legislation that impacts on his private interests, saying: "Ministers from six departments have sought the Prince of Wales' consent to draft bills on everything from road safety to gambling and the London Olympics".

Libeal Democrat MP Andrew George said people will be "astonished" over the powers: "If princes and paupers are to live as equals in a modern Britain, anyone who enjoys exceptional influence or veto should exercise it with complete transparency.

"The duchy asserts it is merely a private estate. Most people will be astonished to learn that it appears to have effective powers of veto over the Government."

The news comes months after it was revealed the Prince of Wales had private meetings with seven cabinet ministers since the coalition came into power.

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