MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Pro-royal Daily Mail tells Prince Charles he should “stay out of politics”

The future King has had 36 private meetings with PM Cameron and cabinet ministers on his initiative (Photo PA)

Prince Charles has had 36 private meetings with UK Cabinet ministers in the last three years, British newspaper The Daily Mail revealed on Monday, as the heir to the British throne faced accusations of meddling in politics

The newspaper compiled a list of the meetings from public records. They included seven with Prime Minister David Cameron since the May 2010 election, six with ministers responsible for energy and climate change and five with environment ministers.

Charles is expected to be politically neutral, but the 64-year-old has expressed strong opinions on issues including education, architecture, religion, the environment, organic food and homeopathy.

In an editorial, the usually pro-royal Daily Mail accused Charles of a “campaign of meddling.”

“By lobbying ministers behind closed doors, the prince appears to be using his position to manipulate policy,” the newspaper said.

“If he must have these meetings, shouldn’t they be open and transparent? Prince Charles is not an elected politician, he is the future king. If he doesn’t want his neutrality — and that of the whole monarchy — undermined, he should stay out of politics,” the newspaper concluded.

Charles’ office said that the prince had a duty “to bring his unique perspective” and experience into meetings with officials.

It said the meetings were part of Charles’ preparations for becoming monarch, and that he contributed “important insights, perspectives and knowledge built over 40 years of experience in a range of areas aimed at transforming lives and building sustainable communities.”

Britain’s constitutional monarch has no political power, but meets regularly with prime ministers and other senior politicians to talk about events of the day.

In contrast to her son, 87-year-old Queen Elizabeth II has not publicly expressed personal opinions.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about Charles’ political activities. The government and the High Court have blocked an eight-year legal bid by The Guardian newspaper to force the disclosure of letters from the prince to government officials.