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| Publication of the Prince Charles 'black spider' letters: live | Publication of the Prince Charles 'black spider' letters: live |
| (17 days later) | |
| 8.48pm BST | 8.48pm BST |
| 20:48 | 20:48 |
| Closing summary | Closing summary |
| Jamie Grierson | Jamie Grierson |
| Beef farming, dairy quotas, the power of supermarkets, Lynx helicopters, badger culling, Irish gaols, the fate of sea birds, derelict hospitals, listed buildings, Scott and Shackleton’s Antarctic huts, summer schools, old-fashioned teaching methods, herbal medicines and of course, albatrosses and the Patagonian toothfish - in just six months Prince Charles filled ministers’ pigeon-holes with idiosyncratic lobbying letters covering an astonishing array of issues. Ministers fought to keep the correspondence secret and it took the Guardian 10 years to see them published. | Beef farming, dairy quotas, the power of supermarkets, Lynx helicopters, badger culling, Irish gaols, the fate of sea birds, derelict hospitals, listed buildings, Scott and Shackleton’s Antarctic huts, summer schools, old-fashioned teaching methods, herbal medicines and of course, albatrosses and the Patagonian toothfish - in just six months Prince Charles filled ministers’ pigeon-holes with idiosyncratic lobbying letters covering an astonishing array of issues. Ministers fought to keep the correspondence secret and it took the Guardian 10 years to see them published. |
| So what did Prince Charles write about? | So what did Prince Charles write about? |
| How does Prince Charles feel about the letters being published? | How does Prince Charles feel about the letters being published? |
| Clarence House issued a statement on behalf of the Prince, in which it argues that Prince Charles has a right to communicate privately - and it holds up Government changes to the freedom of information act as evidence that others share this view (see 19.04). | Clarence House issued a statement on behalf of the Prince, in which it argues that Prince Charles has a right to communicate privately - and it holds up Government changes to the freedom of information act as evidence that others share this view (see 19.04). |
| The publication of private letters can only inhibit his ability to express the concerns and suggestions which have been put to him in the course of his travels and meetings. | The publication of private letters can only inhibit his ability to express the concerns and suggestions which have been put to him in the course of his travels and meetings. |
| The Guardian view | The Guardian view |
| The papers reveal one big thing that matters. It is no secret that the prince likes to lobby for his causes. That’s why the FOI request was made. What these papers show is the sheer breadth and depth of the lobbying, which stretches from Downing Street to Northern Ireland, via education, health, culture, the environment and defence. | The papers reveal one big thing that matters. It is no secret that the prince likes to lobby for his causes. That’s why the FOI request was made. What these papers show is the sheer breadth and depth of the lobbying, which stretches from Downing Street to Northern Ireland, via education, health, culture, the environment and defence. |
| Read the full editorial here. | Read the full editorial here. |
| Best quote from the black spider memos | Best quote from the black spider memos |
| You kindly suggested that it would be helpful if I put them in writing - despite the Freedom of Information Act! | You kindly suggested that it would be helpful if I put them in writing - despite the Freedom of Information Act! |
| Charles has a prescient moment when he jokes with Tony Blair about the prospect of his letters being revealed in the future. | Charles has a prescient moment when he jokes with Tony Blair about the prospect of his letters being revealed in the future. |
| Oddest request | Oddest request |
| I particularly hope that the illegal fishing of the Patagonian Toothfish will be high on your list of priorities because until that trade is stopped, there is little hope for the poor old Albatross. | I particularly hope that the illegal fishing of the Patagonian Toothfish will be high on your list of priorities because until that trade is stopped, there is little hope for the poor old Albatross. |
| Punchbag of the day - Michael Crick | Punchbag of the day - Michael Crick |
| Channel 4’s Michael Crick fell foul of the wrath of Prince Charles’s top media advisor earlier when he dared to raise the subject of the black spider memos. | Channel 4’s Michael Crick fell foul of the wrath of Prince Charles’s top media advisor earlier when he dared to raise the subject of the black spider memos. |
| Kristina Kyriacou, who used to represent pop-stars Cheryl Cole and Gary Barlow, barely flinched when duty called as her protectee was confronted by the dogged reporter. | Kristina Kyriacou, who used to represent pop-stars Cheryl Cole and Gary Barlow, barely flinched when duty called as her protectee was confronted by the dogged reporter. |
| What next? | What next? |
| It’s unlikely letters like these will be seen again. In 2010, the government tightened the rules so that there is an absolute exemption prohibiting the release of any correspondence between public authorities and the monarch or heir. | It’s unlikely letters like these will be seen again. In 2010, the government tightened the rules so that there is an absolute exemption prohibiting the release of any correspondence between public authorities and the monarch or heir. |
| Furthermore, David Cameron is to try to build up a cross-party consensus with the aim of guaranteeing that ministers will be able to veto the publication of documents under freedom of information requests in exceptional circumstances. | Furthermore, David Cameron is to try to build up a cross-party consensus with the aim of guaranteeing that ministers will be able to veto the publication of documents under freedom of information requests in exceptional circumstances. |
| But groups like anti-monarchy campaigners Republic and the Campaign for Freedom of Information have called for the changes to FoI laws to be reversed so expect growing calls for greater transparency. | But groups like anti-monarchy campaigners Republic and the Campaign for Freedom of Information have called for the changes to FoI laws to be reversed so expect growing calls for greater transparency. |
| That’s it from me and this special live blog. I have the honour to remain, sir, your most humble and obedient servant. Jamie Grierson. | That’s it from me and this special live blog. I have the honour to remain, sir, your most humble and obedient servant. Jamie Grierson. |
| 7.42pm BST | 7.42pm BST |
| 19:42 | 19:42 |
| Mark Tran | Mark Tran |
| My colleague Mark Tran has taken a look at how ministers signed off their letters to Prince Charles. | My colleague Mark Tran has taken a look at how ministers signed off their letters to Prince Charles. |
| He explains that letters to the Prince of Wales should be signed: | He explains that letters to the Prince of Wales should be signed: |
| I have the honour to remain, | I have the honour to remain, |
| Sir, | Sir, |
| Your Royal Highness’s most humble and obedient servant. | Your Royal Highness’s most humble and obedient servant. |
| But some - including Tony Blair - appear to have been a little remiss when rattling off their correspondence to the future monarch. | But some - including Tony Blair - appear to have been a little remiss when rattling off their correspondence to the future monarch. |
| 7.34pm BST | 7.34pm BST |
| 19:34 | 19:34 |
| Richard Adams | Richard Adams |
| Successive Labour education secretaries rebuffed Prince Charles’s grandiose efforts to open an “old fashioned” teacher training institute, with Ruth Kelly politely but firmly turning down requests to support several projects, as well as a a network of summer schools for history and English teachers. | Successive Labour education secretaries rebuffed Prince Charles’s grandiose efforts to open an “old fashioned” teacher training institute, with Ruth Kelly politely but firmly turning down requests to support several projects, as well as a a network of summer schools for history and English teachers. |
| The replies from the ministers show a lack of enthusiasm, evident in the long delays in responding, with Charles himself having to pen personal notes to to nudge them into action. | The replies from the ministers show a lack of enthusiasm, evident in the long delays in responding, with Charles himself having to pen personal notes to to nudge them into action. |
| The prince’s staff first approached the then education secretary Charles Clarke in October 2004 with a feasibility study and an ambitious menu of proposals, ranging from “a new Prince of Wales educational charity which would be charged with delivering a new teacher training institute,” to collaboration with a university such as Cambridge or “an initiative” to work with the training charity Teach First. | The prince’s staff first approached the then education secretary Charles Clarke in October 2004 with a feasibility study and an ambitious menu of proposals, ranging from “a new Prince of Wales educational charity which would be charged with delivering a new teacher training institute,” to collaboration with a university such as Cambridge or “an initiative” to work with the training charity Teach First. |
| “Clearly, the principle challenges associated with each option are securing appropriate funding and appointing a director with appropriate support staff before too long,” the memo from Clarence House concludes, along with “His Royal Highness’s warmest good wishes”. | “Clearly, the principle challenges associated with each option are securing appropriate funding and appointing a director with appropriate support staff before too long,” the memo from Clarence House concludes, along with “His Royal Highness’s warmest good wishes”. |
| When no response appeared a month later, Charles sent a note to Clarke to remind him, wondering if Clarke can bear to hear “from someone with such old-fashioned views (!)” and talking up the success of his summer school programme. | When no response appeared a month later, Charles sent a note to Clarke to remind him, wondering if Clarke can bear to hear “from someone with such old-fashioned views (!)” and talking up the success of his summer school programme. |
| “My summer schools are also challenging the fashionable view that teachers should not impart bodies of knowledge, but should instead act as ‘facilitators’ or ‘coaches,’ a notion which I find difficult to understand, I must admit,” the prince wrote. | “My summer schools are also challenging the fashionable view that teachers should not impart bodies of knowledge, but should instead act as ‘facilitators’ or ‘coaches,’ a notion which I find difficult to understand, I must admit,” the prince wrote. |
| It is not until February 2005 that the new education secretary, Ruth Kelly, replies and puts an end to the prince’s hopes: “After some consideration, in terms of financial support, we are not in a position to provide direct funding for on-going programmes …. such as those proposed,” she wrote, before fobbing the matter off to a senior civil servant. | It is not until February 2005 that the new education secretary, Ruth Kelly, replies and puts an end to the prince’s hopes: “After some consideration, in terms of financial support, we are not in a position to provide direct funding for on-going programmes …. such as those proposed,” she wrote, before fobbing the matter off to a senior civil servant. |
| Charles replied within days with another pitch for expanding his summer schools for teachers, and inviting Kelly to attend. “I remain convinced that the current approaches to teaching and learning need to be challenged, something now acknowledged by the professional agencies themselves!” he wrote. | Charles replied within days with another pitch for expanding his summer schools for teachers, and inviting Kelly to attend. “I remain convinced that the current approaches to teaching and learning need to be challenged, something now acknowledged by the professional agencies themselves!” he wrote. |
| After more than a month Kelly replies, ignoring his hints for support. She tells Charles to contact a senior civil servant “if you would like to discuss this further”. | After more than a month Kelly replies, ignoring his hints for support. She tells Charles to contact a senior civil servant “if you would like to discuss this further”. |
| “Thank you also for your kind invitation to me to speak at this year’s summer school.... Unfortunately, due to diary pressures, I will be unable to attend the event,” she adds in a final snub. | “Thank you also for your kind invitation to me to speak at this year’s summer school.... Unfortunately, due to diary pressures, I will be unable to attend the event,” she adds in a final snub. |
| 7.32pm BST | 7.32pm BST |
| 19:32 | 19:32 |
| Robert Booth | Robert Booth |
| Guardian reporter Robert Booth sheds light on the contents of the black-spider memos in this video. | Guardian reporter Robert Booth sheds light on the contents of the black-spider memos in this video. |
| 7.31pm BST | 7.31pm BST |
| 19:31 | 19:31 |
| Here’s some more reaction from the Twitter commentariat on the disclosure of Charles’s black spider memos: | Here’s some more reaction from the Twitter commentariat on the disclosure of Charles’s black spider memos: |
| Labour MP Paul Flynn... | Labour MP Paul Flynn... |
| The only serious qualification for Royal Head of State is political impartiality. Charles has proved himself an unsuitable incurable meddler | The only serious qualification for Royal Head of State is political impartiality. Charles has proved himself an unsuitable incurable meddler |
| Conservative MEP Dan Hannan... | Conservative MEP Dan Hannan... |
| The Prince of Wales should have the same privacy rights as any of his future subjects. Neither more nor less. | The Prince of Wales should have the same privacy rights as any of his future subjects. Neither more nor less. |
| Political philosopher Phillip Blond... | Political philosopher Phillip Blond... |
| I hope Prince William has the same level of concern and focus for the country that his father has - I hope he is writing letters already | I hope Prince William has the same level of concern and focus for the country that his father has - I hope he is writing letters already |
| BBC Newsnight’s Christopher Cook... | BBC Newsnight’s Christopher Cook... |
| So the big story is that Charles likes the Patagonian toothfish. The government spent £400,000 to keep that secret. Bravo, @HeadUKCivServ. | So the big story is that Charles likes the Patagonian toothfish. The government spent £400,000 to keep that secret. Bravo, @HeadUKCivServ. |
| The Guardian’s Jessica Elgot... | The Guardian’s Jessica Elgot... |
| If you don't get why it was important to fight to see these letters from Prince Charles, regardless of content, you don't get journalism. | If you don't get why it was important to fight to see these letters from Prince Charles, regardless of content, you don't get journalism. |
| Legal blogger David Allen Green... | Legal blogger David Allen Green... |
| Once upon a time, I was a government FoI lawyer. Having read the Charles letters, I cannot see any sensible legal basis for non-disclosure. | Once upon a time, I was a government FoI lawyer. Having read the Charles letters, I cannot see any sensible legal basis for non-disclosure. |
| 7.04pm BST | 7.04pm BST |
| 19:04 | 19:04 |
| I just want to have a look in more detail at the Clarence House statement issued at the same time as the letters were published. | I just want to have a look in more detail at the Clarence House statement issued at the same time as the letters were published. |
| It starts by arguing that the correspondence shows “the range of the Prince of Wales’ concerns and interests for this country and the wider world”. | It starts by arguing that the correspondence shows “the range of the Prince of Wales’ concerns and interests for this country and the wider world”. |
| It explains the future monarch takes part in more than 600 engagements a year and is often “given a unique perspective”, which he communicates to ministers - sometimes after they have encouraged him to do so. | It explains the future monarch takes part in more than 600 engagements a year and is often “given a unique perspective”, which he communicates to ministers - sometimes after they have encouraged him to do so. |
| But then Clarence House goes on the offensive, arguing that Prince Charles has a right to communicate privately - and it holds up Government changes to the freedom of information act as evidence that others share this view. | But then Clarence House goes on the offensive, arguing that Prince Charles has a right to communicate privately - and it holds up Government changes to the freedom of information act as evidence that others share this view. |
| Nonetheless, the Prince of Wales believes, as have successive governments, that he should have a right to communicate privately. | Nonetheless, the Prince of Wales believes, as have successive governments, that he should have a right to communicate privately. |
| The publication of private letters can only inhibit his ability to express the concerns and suggestions which have been put to him in the course of his travels and meetings. | The publication of private letters can only inhibit his ability to express the concerns and suggestions which have been put to him in the course of his travels and meetings. |
| This view has been given effect by Parliament, which passed legislation in 2010 to ensure that the communications of the Prince of Wales, and that of the Queen, should be exempt from publication under the freedom of information act. | This view has been given effect by Parliament, which passed legislation in 2010 to ensure that the communications of the Prince of Wales, and that of the Queen, should be exempt from publication under the freedom of information act. |
| 6.52pm BST | 6.52pm BST |
| 18:52 | 18:52 |
| Letter to former education and skills secretary Charles Clarke, November 2004 | Letter to former education and skills secretary Charles Clarke, November 2004 |
| Prince Charles discusses his “old fashioned views” on how teachers should do their jobs - and dismisses a modern notion that the act as “facilitators” or “coaches”. | Prince Charles discusses his “old fashioned views” on how teachers should do their jobs - and dismisses a modern notion that the act as “facilitators” or “coaches”. |
| If you can bear to receive a report on this year’s Education Summer School from someone with such old fashioned views.. There is, I think, a very real sense that the Schools have identified a gap in the teaching of English and History [and] are also challenging the fashionable view that teachers should not impart bodies of knowledge, but should instead act as “facilitators” or “coaches”, a notion which I find it difficult to understand, I must admit. | If you can bear to receive a report on this year’s Education Summer School from someone with such old fashioned views.. There is, I think, a very real sense that the Schools have identified a gap in the teaching of English and History [and] are also challenging the fashionable view that teachers should not impart bodies of knowledge, but should instead act as “facilitators” or “coaches”, a notion which I find it difficult to understand, I must admit. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.53pm BST | at 6.53pm BST |
| 6.46pm BST | 6.46pm BST |
| 18:46 | 18:46 |
| Prince Charles's letters only small indication of widespread lobbying - Republic | Prince Charles's letters only small indication of widespread lobbying - Republic |
| Anti-monarchist group Republic have warned that the black-spider memos are only an indication of widespread lobbying that has been “going on for years”. | Anti-monarchist group Republic have warned that the black-spider memos are only an indication of widespread lobbying that has been “going on for years”. |
| Graham Smith, the campaigning group’s chief executive, said: | Graham Smith, the campaigning group’s chief executive, said: |
| The government must now act to end royal secrecy. Any risk to the monarchy from disclosure must pale against a risk to democracy from having an activist prince acting in secret. | The government must now act to end royal secrecy. Any risk to the monarchy from disclosure must pale against a risk to democracy from having an activist prince acting in secret. |
| These letters are only a small indication of widespread lobbying that’s been going on for years. We now need full disclosure and an assessment of his impact on government policy. | These letters are only a small indication of widespread lobbying that’s been going on for years. We now need full disclosure and an assessment of his impact on government policy. |
| We can’t have a situation where we don’t know what influence Charles is having on government policy. The changes made to freedom of information laws in 2010 must be reversed so future requests for disclosure can be successful. | We can’t have a situation where we don’t know what influence Charles is having on government policy. The changes made to freedom of information laws in 2010 must be reversed so future requests for disclosure can be successful. |
| 6.23pm BST | 6.23pm BST |
| 18:23 | 18:23 |
| Letter to former health secretary John Reid, February 2005 | Letter to former health secretary John Reid, February 2005 |
| Jamie Grierson | Jamie Grierson |
| The Prince of Wales ramps up the rhetoric in this letter pushing for attention to be given to the redevelopment of the Cherry Knowle hospital in Sunderland - warning the-then health secretary John Reid that “chickens will come home to roost” in his government department if action isn’t taken. He later jokes that he is being a “complete bore” by persisting with the campaign. | The Prince of Wales ramps up the rhetoric in this letter pushing for attention to be given to the redevelopment of the Cherry Knowle hospital in Sunderland - warning the-then health secretary John Reid that “chickens will come home to roost” in his government department if action isn’t taken. He later jokes that he is being a “complete bore” by persisting with the campaign. |
| I fear that if the estates are transferred now without proper consideration, various chickens will come home to roost in your own department in coming years as the physical and mental well-being of future communities is affected - not least the key NHS workers who may be living in them... | I fear that if the estates are transferred now without proper consideration, various chickens will come home to roost in your own department in coming years as the physical and mental well-being of future communities is affected - not least the key NHS workers who may be living in them... |
| At risk of being a complete bore about this, I do pray that we could discusses matters more fully before irrevocable decisions are taken which could sacrifice the long-term value to be gained from the most sympathetic and “integrated” use of the assets. | At risk of being a complete bore about this, I do pray that we could discusses matters more fully before irrevocable decisions are taken which could sacrifice the long-term value to be gained from the most sympathetic and “integrated” use of the assets. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.49pm BST | at 6.49pm BST |
| 6.16pm BST | 6.16pm BST |
| 18:16 | 18:16 |
| Oliver Wainwright | Oliver Wainwright |
| Guardian architecture and design critic Oliver Wainwright has his given his take on attempts by the Prince to influence architectural policy. He writes: | Guardian architecture and design critic Oliver Wainwright has his given his take on attempts by the Prince to influence architectural policy. He writes: |
| Those hoping that the black spider memos would shine a light on the inner workings of the Prince’s byzantine architectural philosophy will be disappointed. Much more can be gleaned from the manifesto he set out in a recent issue of the Architectural Review, “Facing up to the future”. | Those hoping that the black spider memos would shine a light on the inner workings of the Prince’s byzantine architectural philosophy will be disappointed. Much more can be gleaned from the manifesto he set out in a recent issue of the Architectural Review, “Facing up to the future”. |
| Instead, in his correspondence with then culture secretary Tessa Jowell, he is revealed as a forthright champion of historic heritage, using his influence to recommend buildings for listing. He waded in against proposals to demolish great chunks of Smithfield Market, which developer Thornfield Properties wanted to replace with a clumsy seven-story office block at the time, lending his weight to a campaign led by SAVE Britain’s Heritage. | Instead, in his correspondence with then culture secretary Tessa Jowell, he is revealed as a forthright champion of historic heritage, using his influence to recommend buildings for listing. He waded in against proposals to demolish great chunks of Smithfield Market, which developer Thornfield Properties wanted to replace with a clumsy seven-story office block at the time, lending his weight to a campaign led by SAVE Britain’s Heritage. |
| Following English Heritage’s advice, Jowell writes that she has recommended one part of the complex – the Red House Cold Store – for listing, and that she has written to the deputy prime minister regarding the remaining buildings. | Following English Heritage’s advice, Jowell writes that she has recommended one part of the complex – the Red House Cold Store – for listing, and that she has written to the deputy prime minister regarding the remaining buildings. |
| A month later, Charles responds: “As you know, I attach the greatest importance to preserving, restoring and re-using such precious heritage townscapes and I can only pray that the Deputy Prime Minister will take your advice and give the most careful consideration to development plans.” | A month later, Charles responds: “As you know, I attach the greatest importance to preserving, restoring and re-using such precious heritage townscapes and I can only pray that the Deputy Prime Minister will take your advice and give the most careful consideration to development plans.” |
| A planning inquiry into Smithfield Market was launched by Ruth Kelly two years later and demolition was duly halted. | A planning inquiry into Smithfield Market was launched by Ruth Kelly two years later and demolition was duly halted. |
| In another letter, the Prince’s private secretary invites Jowell to attend a conference at his Foundation for the Built Environment in Shoreditch titled “Local Identity in a Fast Track Age”, based around “practical recommendations on how to balance local identity with the need for more efficient, low-cost, fast-track production techniques for housing.” The secretary of state politely declines, citing a long-standing diary commitment. | In another letter, the Prince’s private secretary invites Jowell to attend a conference at his Foundation for the Built Environment in Shoreditch titled “Local Identity in a Fast Track Age”, based around “practical recommendations on how to balance local identity with the need for more efficient, low-cost, fast-track production techniques for housing.” The secretary of state politely declines, citing a long-standing diary commitment. |
| Such an event may sound harmless enough – indeed, it might even sound useful – but a closer look at the Prince’s influence on government housing policy reveals these things don’t always end so happily. The Tories’ housing design guide, published the day the last parliament was dissolved - and co-authored by Charles’ pet architect, the classicist Quinlan Terry - bears all the hallmarks of another spider memo. It is nothing but a call for a return to a sepia-tinted Hovis Britain, featuring several case studies from Poundbury, heaping praise on “traditional materials”, the use of “traditional six pane over single pane sash windows”, arched brick lintels, slate rooftops – with not a single mention of crucial internal qualities like natural daylight or minimum space standards. | Such an event may sound harmless enough – indeed, it might even sound useful – but a closer look at the Prince’s influence on government housing policy reveals these things don’t always end so happily. The Tories’ housing design guide, published the day the last parliament was dissolved - and co-authored by Charles’ pet architect, the classicist Quinlan Terry - bears all the hallmarks of another spider memo. It is nothing but a call for a return to a sepia-tinted Hovis Britain, featuring several case studies from Poundbury, heaping praise on “traditional materials”, the use of “traditional six pane over single pane sash windows”, arched brick lintels, slate rooftops – with not a single mention of crucial internal qualities like natural daylight or minimum space standards. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.38pm BST | at 6.38pm BST |
| 5.59pm BST | 5.59pm BST |
| 17:59 | 17:59 |
| Letter to former prime minister Tony Blair, February 2005 | Letter to former prime minister Tony Blair, February 2005 |
| In this letter, the Prince of Wales lobbies for a specific individual to be given a role for an agricultural arbitrator, although the name is redacted. | In this letter, the Prince of Wales lobbies for a specific individual to be given a role for an agricultural arbitrator, although the name is redacted. |
| I understand that the proposal would be for an independent arbitrator to be appointed to be appointed to deal with individual complaints in an entirely private way. I suggested that it might be worth considering (redacted) for this role. (Redacted) might have the time to do it and I would think (redacted) would have all the necessary skills for the job. | I understand that the proposal would be for an independent arbitrator to be appointed to be appointed to deal with individual complaints in an entirely private way. I suggested that it might be worth considering (redacted) for this role. (Redacted) might have the time to do it and I would think (redacted) would have all the necessary skills for the job. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.49pm BST | at 6.49pm BST |
| 5.53pm BST | 5.53pm BST |
| 17:53 | 17:53 |
| Letter to former prime minister Tony Blair, February 2005 | Letter to former prime minister Tony Blair, February 2005 |
| Apparently tempting fate, Prince Charles starts this letter by joking about putting his views down in writing despite the risk of them being revealed under the freedom of information act. Ten years later, here we are... | Apparently tempting fate, Prince Charles starts this letter by joking about putting his views down in writing despite the risk of them being revealed under the freedom of information act. Ten years later, here we are... |
| You kindly suggested that it would be helpful if I put them in writing - despite the Freedom of Information Act! | You kindly suggested that it would be helpful if I put them in writing - despite the Freedom of Information Act! |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.50pm BST | at 6.50pm BST |
| 5.47pm BST | 5.47pm BST |
| 17:47 | 17:47 |
| My colleague Jessica Elgot has spoken to a graphologist to see what can be gauged from the spidery notations in Charles’s letters. She writes: | My colleague Jessica Elgot has spoken to a graphologist to see what can be gauged from the spidery notations in Charles’s letters. She writes: |
| What can we tell about Charles’ personality from the small amount of handwritten annotations in the black spider memos? | What can we tell about Charles’ personality from the small amount of handwritten annotations in the black spider memos? |
| Actually, quite a lot, according to the chairman of the British Institute of Graphologists. Charles’ fluid strokes, joined-up words and slight slant to the left reveal interesting things about his personality and how he will approach his kingship. | Actually, quite a lot, according to the chairman of the British Institute of Graphologists. Charles’ fluid strokes, joined-up words and slight slant to the left reveal interesting things about his personality and how he will approach his kingship. |
| Adam Brand told the Guardian that the pressure on the up-and-down strokes is even, meaning Charles has a creative side and a “love of colour”. | Adam Brand told the Guardian that the pressure on the up-and-down strokes is even, meaning Charles has a creative side and a “love of colour”. |
| In the introductions to the letters, Charles joins up all the words in his sentences. “He’s very connected, it’s quite unusual to see, it shows he’s a very logical thinker with an excellent brain,” Brand said. The handwriting is “middle zone dominant” which means Charles is “sociable, adaptable and a shrewd operator”. | In the introductions to the letters, Charles joins up all the words in his sentences. “He’s very connected, it’s quite unusual to see, it shows he’s a very logical thinker with an excellent brain,” Brand said. The handwriting is “middle zone dominant” which means Charles is “sociable, adaptable and a shrewd operator”. |
| Brand points to the slash which makes the dot for one of the “i”s, he said that could be a sign of impatience. “We can see the slight slant to the left means he is driven, he is business like. But the flourish on the “P” of prime minister, what is called ‘gala writing’, has a pool in the middle, he is open minded and empathetic.” | Brand points to the slash which makes the dot for one of the “i”s, he said that could be a sign of impatience. “We can see the slight slant to the left means he is driven, he is business like. But the flourish on the “P” of prime minister, what is called ‘gala writing’, has a pool in the middle, he is open minded and empathetic.” |
| Perhaps most tellingly however, is the ‘M’ in “minister”. “The first part of the ‘m’ is larger, that means ‘what I want is very important’,” Brand said. “If it was the other way around, it would indicate that he was trying to impress the person you are writing to.” | Perhaps most tellingly however, is the ‘M’ in “minister”. “The first part of the ‘m’ is larger, that means ‘what I want is very important’,” Brand said. “If it was the other way around, it would indicate that he was trying to impress the person you are writing to.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.53pm BST | at 6.53pm BST |
| 5.45pm BST | 5.45pm BST |
| 17:45 | 17:45 |
| Caroline Davies | Caroline Davies |
| Charles is said to be “disappointed” that the confidentiality principle has not been maintained. | Charles is said to be “disappointed” that the confidentiality principle has not been maintained. |
| Those close to him believe he will think carefully about how he will deal with things in future, but will want in some way to continue to reflect what he hears from members of the public. | Those close to him believe he will think carefully about how he will deal with things in future, but will want in some way to continue to reflect what he hears from members of the public. |
| In a way, he sees it as his duty to raise issues on behalf of those he has met. If a member of the public, or a farmer, for instance, has concerns, he can’t stop thinking about it, say sources. | In a way, he sees it as his duty to raise issues on behalf of those he has met. If a member of the public, or a farmer, for instance, has concerns, he can’t stop thinking about it, say sources. |
| They maintain the letters show him trying to help to pass on the concerns of the many members of the public that he meets using his expertise and knowledge. | They maintain the letters show him trying to help to pass on the concerns of the many members of the public that he meets using his expertise and knowledge. |
| In many cases the prince had been encouraged to write to ministers, since the days of Tory prime minister Alec Douglas Home, said one. | In many cases the prince had been encouraged to write to ministers, since the days of Tory prime minister Alec Douglas Home, said one. |
| Aides believe the letters do not show the prince engaging in matters of party political contention. | Aides believe the letters do not show the prince engaging in matters of party political contention. |
| As far as the language used by Charles, it is certainly a little informal on occasions. That, his supporters believe, is in the nature of letters which he would have believed were confidential, and the passion displayed is because he cares deeply about the subjects he raises. | As far as the language used by Charles, it is certainly a little informal on occasions. That, his supporters believe, is in the nature of letters which he would have believed were confidential, and the passion displayed is because he cares deeply about the subjects he raises. |
| Although there may be the “odd lively expression,” there is not anything inappropriate in the language used, said one. | Although there may be the “odd lively expression,” there is not anything inappropriate in the language used, said one. |
| They argue he has had to create a role for himself, there is no template. And the letters are consistent with his ambition to help people and charities. | They argue he has had to create a role for himself, there is no template. And the letters are consistent with his ambition to help people and charities. |
| In many cases, too, he puts forward ideas on the basis of a deep knowledge. | In many cases, too, he puts forward ideas on the basis of a deep knowledge. |
| Neither does he expect his letters to “go to the top of the pile” in any ministerial inbox, said one. | Neither does he expect his letters to “go to the top of the pile” in any ministerial inbox, said one. |
| 5.44pm BST | 5.44pm BST |
| 17:44 | 17:44 |
| The full text of the 27 letters sent by Prince Charles to the prime minister and ministers in six UK government departments in 2004 and 2005 have helpfully been brought together in one place here. | The full text of the 27 letters sent by Prince Charles to the prime minister and ministers in six UK government departments in 2004 and 2005 have helpfully been brought together in one place here. |
| 5.40pm BST | 5.40pm BST |
| 17:40 | 17:40 |
| Letter to former Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy, September 2004 | Letter to former Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy, September 2004 |
| In a letter regarding historic buildings in Northern Ireland, the Prince of Wales starts off by thanking Murphy for “the most illuminating dinner” and urges Murphy to send “key people” from Northern Ireland to attend courses at his Foundation for the Built Environment. He finishes with a joke about his mortality: | In a letter regarding historic buildings in Northern Ireland, the Prince of Wales starts off by thanking Murphy for “the most illuminating dinner” and urges Murphy to send “key people” from Northern Ireland to attend courses at his Foundation for the Built Environment. He finishes with a joke about his mortality: |
| Hopefully, by the time of my next visit to the province - and if I am still alive by then! - I will be able to see heartening signs of progress in all these issues we discussed. | Hopefully, by the time of my next visit to the province - and if I am still alive by then! - I will be able to see heartening signs of progress in all these issues we discussed. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.49pm BST | at 6.49pm BST |
| 5.30pm BST | 5.30pm BST |
| 17:30 | 17:30 |
| Sarah Boseley | Sarah Boseley |
| Guardian health editor Sarah Boseley has this analysis on Charles’s lobbying over the use of complementary medicines | Guardian health editor Sarah Boseley has this analysis on Charles’s lobbying over the use of complementary medicines |
| Prince Charles, a lifelong supporter of complementary medicines (he set up his Foundation for Integrated Health in 1993 to promote their use), was very exercised by an EU Directive in 2004 which aimed to stop the unrestricted sale of herbal medicines, some of which had been shown to cause harm. | Prince Charles, a lifelong supporter of complementary medicines (he set up his Foundation for Integrated Health in 1993 to promote their use), was very exercised by an EU Directive in 2004 which aimed to stop the unrestricted sale of herbal medicines, some of which had been shown to cause harm. |
| He lobbied Health Secretary John Reid about it, but appears to have got little joy. Prime Minister Tony Blair, however, was far more sympathetic. A letter of 24 February mentions a meeting at which the Prince raised the EU Directive on Herbal Medicines “which is having such a deleterious effect on the complementary medicine sector in this country by effectively outlawing the use of certain herbal extracts. | He lobbied Health Secretary John Reid about it, but appears to have got little joy. Prime Minister Tony Blair, however, was far more sympathetic. A letter of 24 February mentions a meeting at which the Prince raised the EU Directive on Herbal Medicines “which is having such a deleterious effect on the complementary medicine sector in this country by effectively outlawing the use of certain herbal extracts. |
| “I think we both agreed this was using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. You rightly asked me what could be done about it and I am asking the Chief executive of my Foundation to provide a more detailed briefing which I hope to be able to send shortly so that your advisors can look at it.” | “I think we both agreed this was using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. You rightly asked me what could be done about it and I am asking the Chief executive of my Foundation to provide a more detailed briefing which I hope to be able to send shortly so that your advisors can look at it.” |
| Unlike Reid, Blair proposes to act on the Prince’s concerns. In his response on 30 March, Blair thanks him for the “sensible and constructive” contacts from the herbal medicines world the Prince has given him, who think the Directive is sound and the regulators excellent “but are absolutely correct in saying that its implementation as it is currently planned is crazy”. | Unlike Reid, Blair proposes to act on the Prince’s concerns. In his response on 30 March, Blair thanks him for the “sensible and constructive” contacts from the herbal medicines world the Prince has given him, who think the Directive is sound and the regulators excellent “but are absolutely correct in saying that its implementation as it is currently planned is crazy”. |
| Blair promises that “We can to do quite a lot here”, including delaying implementation of the Directive to 2011 for herbal medicines already on the shelves and “sorting out the problem in the technical committee” in Europe. | Blair promises that “We can to do quite a lot here”, including delaying implementation of the Directive to 2011 for herbal medicines already on the shelves and “sorting out the problem in the technical committee” in Europe. |
| He concludes: “We will be consulting with your contacts and others on the best way to do this - we simply cannot have burdensome regulation here”. | He concludes: “We will be consulting with your contacts and others on the best way to do this - we simply cannot have burdensome regulation here”. |
| 5.21pm BST | 5.21pm BST |
| 17:21 | 17:21 |
| Letter to Elliot Morley, former environment minister, October 2004 | Letter to Elliot Morley, former environment minister, October 2004 |
| I particularly hope that the illegal fishing of the Patagonian Toothfish will be high on your list of priorities because until that trade is stopped, there is little hope for the poor old Albatross. | I particularly hope that the illegal fishing of the Patagonian Toothfish will be high on your list of priorities because until that trade is stopped, there is little hope for the poor old Albatross. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.48pm BST | at 6.48pm BST |