Prince Charles Accused Of Using His Royal Status To Influence Planning Decisions

Britain's Prince Charles has been accused of using his royal status to influence planning decisions. Ruth Reed, the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), claims the prince has been "abusing his position" to sway processes and claims he had written letters "behind the scenes" to make his opinions known on certain architectural projects.

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She told BBC Radio Four's Front Row: "It is unfortunate if anybody uses their position in public life to exert undue influence on a democratic process such as planning."

"There appears to be evidence that he has written behind the scenes both about planning applications and also about the appointment of particular architects, which would be an abuse of his position, definitely."

A spokesperson for the prince declined to comment.

Charles is known for his interest in architecture and has not shied away from airing his opinions.

He has previously caused controversy by urging developers to reconsider the modern design they had chosen for west London's Chelsea barracks site.

In 1984, he famously made a speech to RIBA blasting a proposed National Gallery extension as "a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend."