Charles Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince of Wales, who has campaigned on the issues of climate change and lauded organic farming, has been accused of "environmental vandalism" by opponents of his controversial Duchy Oyster Farm near Falmouth, Cornwall. Mountbatten Windsor’s private estate has been ordered to disclose environmental information about the oyster farm after judges decided it is a 'public authority' and, as such, is subject to environmental regulations. 

A court yesterday ordered the prince’s Duchy of Cornwall to hand over papers on the farm at Port image expired

Following the ruling, the Duchy’s lands will be opened to public scrutiny, which could also have consequences for Mountbatten-Windsor’s other businesses. The prince’s claim the private estate, which he holds in trust, is exempt from the Freedom of Information act was upheld in another ruling last October. However, it was yesterday deemed to provide ‘indirect public money’ to the prince and is therefore subject to freedom of information laws.

Anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, which opposes the Royal Family's exemption from the Freedom of Information Act, celebrated the ruling. Graham Smith, a spokesperson for Republic, said, "It sets a precedent and hopefully will subject Prince Charles' business dealings to greater scrutiny. It does remind us that Prince Charles does try to have it both ways, being a public figure and, when it suits him, a private enterprise."

He continued, "This reminds us that what the Duchy of Cornwall does is of public interest and it is wholly appropriate that they are subject to these regulations."

The Duchy now has 28 days to either disclose the requested information or give reasons supporting its claims of exemption from legislation. A spokesperson for the Duchy said, "The Duchy is reviewing the tribunal's reasons for reaching its conclusion with a view to establishing whether to appeal the decision."