IT is absurd to expect the Prince of Wales not to have opinions on affairs of state. Having Royal blood does not, and should not, deprive him of an inquiring mind.

As heir to the throne, he has privileged access to Government papers and Government ministers. Such access is both legitimate and necessary in a constitutional monarchy like ours.

No one questions his right to an opinion or his right to express that opinion in private to anyone he deems fit to listen to him.

What is of some concern, however, is when such opinions come into the public domain.

In his correspondence with the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor, Princes Charles is straying perilously close to contested issues of party politics.

When that correspondence is made available for general consumption, he risks undermining the very foundations on which our modern monarchy is built.

The monarch must at all times rise above the cut-and-thrust of politics. The future sovereign must not be seen to use his privileged position to promote partisan issues.

In doing so he is playing into the hands of those in our society who regard the monarchy as an anachronism and wish to see it replaced.

A constitutional monarchy, acutely aware of its duties, remains preferable to an elected or appointed presidency and all the potential conflicts it will bring.

While it is proper for the monarchy to move with the times and be in touch with the people, it must avoid at all cost assuming a political role.

It is unclear at this stage whether Prince Charles' strident views have found their way into the public arena via leaks from St James's Palace or leaks from Whitehall.

But what is clear is that the leaks are unwelcome and damaging. They must be stemmed.

For his own sake, and for the sake of the monarchy, the Prince must take urgent steps to ensure his political views remain private.