OHMYGOSSIP — Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall begin their four-day tour of Singapore today (30.10.17).
The royal couple are poised to meet a host of big names during their tour of the island city-state, including President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Prince Charles and the Duchess will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Istana on Tuesday (31.10.17), while they will also have an official dinner thrown in their honour by President Halimah.
The trip is Prince Charles’ second official visit to Singapore, with the British royal having last been to the city-state in 1979.
The future King’s appearance in Singapore comes shortly after Labour peer Tony Berkeley said he wants Prince Charles to pay more tax.
He tabled a Private Member’s Bill designed to bring the Duchy into line with other firms by forcing it to pay corporation tax.
Under the current set up, the Duchy provides an annual income to Prince Charles through different areas of land and property, which is valued at more than £1 billion.
And while Prince Charles voluntarily pays income tax on what he earns from the Duchy, he does not pay corporation tax at the moment.
Berkeley said: “There are too many royals on the public purse. 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.”