The ‘nutter’ who wants Charles to pay more tax

An EXASPERATED Prince Charles once famously asked of Labour peer Tony Berkeley: ‘Is this man Berkeley a nutter?’ The Prince’s inquiry followed Lord Berkeley’s criticism of the tax perks enjoyed by the Duchy of Cornwall from which Charles draws an annual income — according to accounts, it was £20.6 million last year.

now Charles will be even more indignant to learn that Berkeley has tabled a Private Member’s Bill aimed at bringing the Duchy into line with other companies by making it pay corporation tax.

Created in 1337 by Edward III, the Duchy provides an annual income to the heir to the throne from 135,000 acres of land and property, which includes the Oval cricket ground, and is valued at more than £1 billion in total.

Charles, who unlike other members of the Royal Family receives no money from the taxpayer, voluntarily pays income tax on the revenue he receives from the Duchy. However, he does not pay corporation tax, which is currently 19 per cent. Etoneducated Lord Berkeley, 78, whose hereditary title dates back to 1421, insists he’s not a Republican, but does favour a pared-back monarchy and greater transparency over its workings.

Last week, he attended a House of Lords meeting with Republic, a group which campaigns for an end to the monarchy.

‘There are too many royals on the public purse,’ says Lord Berkeley. ‘There should be no more than two or three.

‘My Bill would bring the Duchy into line with other successful commercial ventures. Charles should pay the same taxes as everyone else.’

My mole at Clarence House tells me Charles hasn’t changed his view of Berkeley.