In 2005, the government received several requests for copies of correspondence between HRH The Prince of Wales and government ministers.

The government refused these requests under the Freedom of Information ( FOI ) exemption covering communications with The Sovereign and The Heir to The Throne. Whilst the Information Commissioner upheld the government’s position, the case was referred to the Information Tribunal. The Information Tribunal ordered the release of most of the correspondence.

In 2012 the Attorney General issued a veto under section 53 of the FOI Act. Further court proceedings ended on 26 March 2015 with the Supreme Court overturning that veto.

The government maintains that communications between the Heir to The Throne and ministers should remain private, and that this is a part of our constitutional arrangements.