Prince Charles' marriage might be illegal

Jun 9, 2006, 14:43 GMT

Marriage of Britain's Prince Charles to Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, might be illegal.

A secret document has reportedly revealed the prince was warned around the time of his divorce from first wife - Britain's late Princess Diana - that he could never re-marry.

According to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper, the legal document - thought to have been drawn up in 1996 - claims members of the Royal Family are not legally allowed to tie the knot in a register office.

It reportedly also claims the Anglican Church have a 'moral obligation' not to marry two divorcees.

Charles' executive power was scrutinised last year (05) when Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, overthrew the advice, claiming it was 'over-cautious'.

He also cited the Human Rights Act, insisting Charles was entitles to his human right for a family life.

The change of legislation allowed the heir to the British throne wed Duchess of Cornwall in April last year.

The existence of Lord Falconer's document was never originally revealed, until recently, when it was released by Britain's Department of Constitutional Affairs after an application under the Freedom of Information Act.

Legal experts were debating the legality of the royal marriage last night (08.06.06), as well as the future of British monarchy.

Charles Mosley, editor-in-chief of Debrett's society magazine and an expert on formal marriages, said: 'This could be the trigger that brings about the passing of the throne to William. We have to know whether our King is legally married or not.'

Stephen Cretney, QC, was quoted in Britain's The Times newspaper claimed Lord Falconer was guilty of 'an astonishing failure to disclose' the previous advice before making a 'bold and bare statement that this is all right'.

He added: 'I haven't found anybody who will categorically say, 'There is no question about it, the Government's advice was correct.''

British royals have been banned from civil ceremonies since 1836, when divorce was still strongly stigmatised.

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