Quiz for Charles on land deals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Prince of Wales may be forced to reveal secret details of his growing property empire this week to prove that he is not investing in "ethically suspect" supermarkets and office blocks.
The Prince of Wales may be forced to reveal secret details of his growing property empire this week to prove that he is not investing in "ethically suspect" supermarkets and office blocks.
His two most senior financial aides are to be grilled by MPs on the powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC) tomorrow and asked whether he has invested in any properties of the type he has criticised as "unsustainable" or "unethical".
Prince Charles has seen his income soar in recent years, largely due to rents earned from a growing commercial property portfolio. The empire brought more than £5mto the coffers of the Duchy of Cornwall last year and was responsible for a 20 per cent increase in its income.
Now MPs want to know whether all the Prince's investments meet his own architectural standards and ethical concerns.
"It would be intriguing to know whether the duchy has invested in any out-of-town supermarkets or other 'carbuncles'," one PAC member said yesterday.
The details of what premises are owned by the Duchy of Cornwall are shrouded in mystery. Its secretary, Bertie Ross, and chief executive, Keith Willis, will be asked to lift the veil when they appear before the PAC.
MPs are also keen to investigate how the Prince divides expenditure between his official functions and his private life.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments