Charles's letters 'should be kept private'
The Guardian newspaper has sent in a freedom of information request to make Prince Charles's letters public.
The "black spider" letters, named after the prince's idiosyncratic handwriting, are said to contain private messages to ministers, criticising government policy.
Speaking on The World at One, Mary MacLeod MP, former adviser to the Queen and Royal Household on PR communications and strategic change within the monarchy, addressed the question of the level of the Royal Family's political influence.
It is important that "the monarchy is politically neutral" she insisted.
But she went on to argue that Charles "should be able to ask questions and discuss things" with ministers, and "these letters should be kept private."
17 Oct 2012
- From the section UK