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The 48-page "annual review" – which documents public funds that the prince spends each year – includes expenses such as the maintenance of an official staff of 84 people, and support for his two sons, Prince William, 22, and Prince Harry, 19.
But what raised many eyebrows were the prince's expenditures on support staff for Parker Bowles. All told, she's mentioned three times in the report, and it effectively places a royal seal of approval on Parker Bowles.
"We are trying to cover all the angles and be as open and accountable as we can," explained Sir Michael Peat, who runs Prince Charles's office based at Clarence House, London.
The report, sprinkled with corporate buzzwords like "synergy" and "catalyst," lists the prince's jobs as supporting his mother, Queen Elizabeth; promoting Britain; and working as a "charitable entrepreneur," Reuters notes. The prince directly and indirectly raises 100 million pounds a year (roughly $181 million) for charity.
Peat sought to play down the importance of including Parker Bowles's expenses, which include a driver and two aides to help with correspondence. She increasingly accompanies Prince Charles at charity events and premieres, and speculation is rising once again that she might take a more formal role.
But Peat declined to answer questions about the prospect of the two marrying. "That is too big a question for me. You are out of my league on that one," he said.
