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Britain's Prince Charles is planning to buy a Cornwall estate for £10 million.
The 66-year-old royal is reportedly negotiating with Peregrine Eliot, the Earl of St Germans to buy his 123-room Port Eliot estate, the ancestral home the family has lived in since the 16th century.
A spokesperson for the Earl confirmed: "Lord St. Germans and his trustees have invited the Prince's Foundation for Building Community to conduct a feasibility study, to explore the possibility of the purchase of Port Eliot House, some of its contents and its walled garden and stables."
The estate is currently home to the annual Port Eliot arts festival and sources claim Charles - whose Duchy of Cornwall estate bought more than 800 acres of land at Port Eliot for £4.7 million last July - wants to use it as a "hub" for the arts.
The plans would echo what Charles did to Dumfries House in Scotland, which he bought for £45 million in 2007, and the Earl's third wife Cathy Wilson thinks it is a great idea.
She told the Daily Mail newspaper: "It will mean that the estate maintains its income and is relieved of the huge burden of running the house.
"Considering the alternatives, i.e. the National Trust, a fleeing oligarch or the house and contents being broken up, this is a sensational deal and a terrific turn-up for the estate."
Prince Charles to buy Cornwall estate
Britain's Prince Charles is planning to buy a Cornwall estate for £10 million.
The 66-year-old royal is reportedly negotiating with Peregrine Eliot, the Earl of St Germans to buy his 123-room Port Eliot estate, the ancestral home the family has lived in since the 16th century.
A spokesperson for the Earl confirmed: "Lord St. Germans and his trustees have invited the Prince's Foundation for Building Community to conduct a feasibility study, to explore the possibility of the purchase of Port Eliot House, some of its contents and its walled garden and stables."
The estate is currently home to the annual Port Eliot arts festival and sources claim Charles - whose Duchy of Cornwall estate bought more than 800 acres of land at Port Eliot for £4.7 million last July - wants to use it as a "hub" for the arts.
The plans would echo what Charles did to Dumfries House in Scotland, which he bought for £45 million in 2007, and the Earl's third wife Cathy Wilson thinks it is a great idea.
She told the Daily Mail newspaper: "It will mean that the estate maintains its income and is relieved of the huge burden of running the house.
"Considering the alternatives, i.e. the National Trust, a fleeing oligarch or the house and contents being broken up, this is a sensational deal and a terrific turn-up for the estate."
Royal

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini accidentally called Britain's Prince Charles "Charlie".
The former Girls Aloud singer was incredibly nervous when she met the prince - who is married to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall - that she made a huge error when they were chatting.
She said: "I had a meeting with Prince Charles and I had been given so many instructions about what and what not to say and do that I got really nervous.
"He was telling me how much he loved ballroom dancing with Camilla and referenced a movie and I said, 'They don't make them like that anymore do they Charlie?"
While 31-year-old Cheryl's gaffe shocked almost everyone who heard, Charles, 66, appeared unflustered.
Speaking on a special Comic Relief edition of 'The Graham Norton Show', she added: "There were inward gasps of breath from my PA and his aides but he carried on as though nothing had happened."
The 'X Factor' judge took part in a special celebrity edition of 'The Apprentice' for Comic Relief in 2007 and credits the show for changing her career for the better after she impressed Simon Cowell.
She said: "I did 'Comic Relief Celebrity Apprentice' in 2007 and no one had the nerve to call Simon Cowell other than me, which I did on camera asking for money.
"I left him a voicemail saying, 'It's Cheryl and I want some money from you. You have half an hour to call me back and I would like between one and ten thousand pounds.'
"I didn't think he would turn up but he did and gave us £25k. Ever since then he says he admired my tenacity. And that was the beginning of our working relationship."
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini made Prince Charles name gaffe
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini accidentally called Britain's Prince Charles "Charlie".
The former Girls Aloud singer was incredibly nervous when she met the prince - who is married to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall - that she made a huge error when they were chatting.
She said: "I had a meeting with Prince Charles and I had been given so many instructions about what and what not to say and do that I got really nervous.
"He was telling me how much he loved ballroom dancing with Camilla and referenced a movie and I said, 'They don't make them like that anymore do they Charlie?"
While 31-year-old Cheryl's gaffe shocked almost everyone who heard, Charles, 66, appeared unflustered.
Speaking on a special Comic Relief edition of 'The Graham Norton Show', she added: "There were inward gasps of breath from my PA and his aides but he carried on as though nothing had happened."
The 'X Factor' judge took part in a special celebrity edition of 'The Apprentice' for Comic Relief in 2007 and credits the show for changing her career for the better after she impressed Simon Cowell.
She said: "I did 'Comic Relief Celebrity Apprentice' in 2007 and no one had the nerve to call Simon Cowell other than me, which I did on camera asking for money.
"I left him a voicemail saying, 'It's Cheryl and I want some money from you. You have half an hour to call me back and I would like between one and ten thousand pounds.'
"I didn't think he would turn up but he did and gave us £25k. Ever since then he says he admired my tenacity. And that was the beginning of our working relationship."
Royal

Britain's Duchess Catherine is to visit the set of 'Downton Abbey'.
The 33-year-old royal - who is expecting her second child with husband Prince William - will visit Ealing studios next week to catch a glimpse of filming on the sixth series of the popular period drama, before undertaking a tour of the production guided by executive producer Liz Trubridge and meeting cast and crew members.
After seeing a scene filmed in the servants' quarters, she will join Hugh Bonneville - who plays the Earl of Grantham - in unveiling a plaque to commemorate her visit.
Catherine's husband William - with who she has 19-month-old son Prince George - has previously admitted the couple are fans of the show.
During a visit to New York in December, he told executive producer Gareth Neame that he was "really looking forward" to the Christmas special.
And William's stepmother Duchess Camilla also tunes in to the drama.
Actress Lesley Nichols, who plays Mrs. Patmore, has previously said: "Camilla loves Downton Abbey. We have spoken and she genuinely loves the show."
Duchess Catherine visiting Downton Abbey
Britain's Duchess Catherine is to visit the set of 'Downton Abbey'.
The 33-year-old royal - who is expecting her second child with husband Prince William - will visit Ealing studios next week to catch a glimpse of filming on the sixth series of the popular period drama, before undertaking a tour of the production guided by executive producer Liz Trubridge and meeting cast and crew members.
After seeing a scene filmed in the servants' quarters, she will join Hugh Bonneville - who plays the Earl of Grantham - in unveiling a plaque to commemorate her visit.
Catherine's husband William - with who she has 19-month-old son Prince George - has previously admitted the couple are fans of the show.
During a visit to New York in December, he told executive producer Gareth Neame that he was "really looking forward" to the Christmas special.
And William's stepmother Duchess Camilla also tunes in to the drama.
Actress Lesley Nichols, who plays Mrs. Patmore, has previously said: "Camilla loves Downton Abbey. We have spoken and she genuinely loves the show."
Royal

Britain's Princess Anne has opened a new youth arts centre in Jersey.
The Princess Royal toured the £2.3 million St. James Centre - which is housed in a converted church - in St. Helier and got to see a performance space, studios, rehearsal rooms and a radio station.
Additionally, the facility will offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in a former primary school behind the church, and the youth inquiry service will be in the former rectory next door.
Youth officer Mark Capern said the opening was the culmination of five years' work.
He said: "From the scaffold-covered building three years ago, we've produced a phenomenal facility for both young people and the wider arts community in a reinvented, unique heritage site."
During her visit to the island, Anne also visited the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, where she unveiled a plaque to mark the 90th anniversary of the birth of founder Gerald Durrell.
Meanwhile, it has been announced Anne will attend an upcoming Aviva Premiership Rugby match between Northampton Saints and Saracens in April in her role of patron to charity Transaid.
Jong Jin Park, Managing Director of Hankook Tyre UK - a partner of Transaid - said: "It gives us great pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal in her role as patron of Transaid as it further cements our long-standing relationship with them in addition to providing our local community with a real sense of pride. It also gives us great pleasure to extend our support even further with the combined efforts of the Northampton Saints, who have been kind enough to work with us in helping to develop additional fundraising activities which will take place later in the season."
The game takes place on April 25.
Princess Anne opens arts centre
Britain's Princess Anne has opened a new youth arts centre in Jersey.
The Princess Royal toured the £2.3 million St. James Centre - which is housed in a converted church - in St. Helier and got to see a performance space, studios, rehearsal rooms and a radio station.
Additionally, the facility will offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in a former primary school behind the church, and the youth inquiry service will be in the former rectory next door.
Youth officer Mark Capern said the opening was the culmination of five years' work.
He said: "From the scaffold-covered building three years ago, we've produced a phenomenal facility for both young people and the wider arts community in a reinvented, unique heritage site."
During her visit to the island, Anne also visited the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, where she unveiled a plaque to mark the 90th anniversary of the birth of founder Gerald Durrell.
Meanwhile, it has been announced Anne will attend an upcoming Aviva Premiership Rugby match between Northampton Saints and Saracens in April in her role of patron to charity Transaid.
Jong Jin Park, Managing Director of Hankook Tyre UK - a partner of Transaid - said: "It gives us great pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal in her role as patron of Transaid as it further cements our long-standing relationship with them in addition to providing our local community with a real sense of pride. It also gives us great pleasure to extend our support even further with the combined efforts of the Northampton Saints, who have been kind enough to work with us in helping to develop additional fundraising activities which will take place later in the season."
The game takes place on April 25.
Royal

A radio station which broadcast a hoax call to a hospital treating Britain's Duchess of Cambridge broke the law, Australia's High Court has ruled.
The duchess was being treated for severe morning sickness in 2012 and 2Day FM DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian were able to obtain details on her condition from a nurse at King Edward VII's Hospital in London by pretending to be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.
The court's decision upholds the verdict originally found by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which ruled the station had breached its licence by not obtaining the consent of those involved - including Jacinta Saldanha, who answered and transferred the call, then committed suicide days later after her mistake was realised - before broadcasting the call.
The verdict had previously been overturned by the Federal Court, but the new ruling confirmed the Authority has the power to decide whether a criminal offence has been committed for the purpose of determining whether there has been a breach of the Broadcasting Services Act.
The station could now be fined, have its licence suspended or even revoked.
They said the ruling "means that there is a serious defect in Australian broadcasting law".
In 2013, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was no evidence to support a manslaughter charge following the nurse's death.
Ms. Saldanha was never disciplined for her role in the error, and St James's Palace did not blame her for the incident.
During the inquest into her death, DJ Mel apologised for the prank and admitted she had received death threats and hate mail in the wake of the tragedy.
She said: "Nothing will change the fact that Jacintha thought of me before she took her own life and that is something that is really hard to come to terms with.
"I will always feel partly responsible because my name was in someone's suicide note - not just the DJ, my name."
Australian court rules on DJ hoax
A radio station which broadcast a hoax call to a hospital treating Britain's Duchess of Cambridge broke the law, Australia's High Court has ruled.
The duchess was being treated for severe morning sickness in 2012 and 2Day FM DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian were able to obtain details on her condition from a nurse at King Edward VII's Hospital in London by pretending to be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.
The court's decision upholds the verdict originally found by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which ruled the station had breached its licence by not obtaining the consent of those involved - including Jacinta Saldanha, who answered and transferred the call, then committed suicide days later after her mistake was realised - before broadcasting the call.
The verdict had previously been overturned by the Federal Court, but the new ruling confirmed the Authority has the power to decide whether a criminal offence has been committed for the purpose of determining whether there has been a breach of the Broadcasting Services Act.
The station could now be fined, have its licence suspended or even revoked.
They said the ruling "means that there is a serious defect in Australian broadcasting law".
In 2013, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was no evidence to support a manslaughter charge following the nurse's death.
Ms. Saldanha was never disciplined for her role in the error, and St James's Palace did not blame her for the incident.
During the inquest into her death, DJ Mel apologised for the prank and admitted she had received death threats and hate mail in the wake of the tragedy.
She said: "Nothing will change the fact that Jacintha thought of me before she took her own life and that is something that is really hard to come to terms with.
"I will always feel partly responsible because my name was in someone's suicide note - not just the DJ, my name."
Royal

Britain's Duchess Catherine has an estimated 220 stalkers.
A specialist police team and psychiatric nurses are visiting the most "high risk" fans of the 33-year-old royal - who has 19-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William - ahead of her giving birth to her second child next month.
And the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC) are also searching for potential threats online, because it is believed the danger from stalkers increases in the lead up to significant events such as birth and marriage.
Dai Davies, former head of royal protection for the Metropolitan Police, told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "They give rise to a greater likelihood of an incident. If you look back through history the greatest threat to the Royal family apart from the IRA has been fixated individuals.
"Prevention is one of the key areas because in about 70% of cases where there have been attacks, the fixated person has indicated before the incident that they are going to do something."
The FTAC - which comprises nine detectives, three nurses and a community support officer - is led by a psychiatrist and a psychologist and investigates potential threats to VIPs. They believe the best way to stop stalkers getting close is to monitor them in the community and reduce the risk of a violent incident by making sure stalkers have access to mental health services.
Buckingham Palace receives 10,000 letters a year from people with mental illness, most of which are harmless.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr Frank Farnham, who works with the team, said last year: "We have a significant number of people who believe they are the Queen or are in a love with Prince William."
Duchess Catherine has 220 stalkers
Britain's Duchess Catherine has an estimated 220 stalkers.
A specialist police team and psychiatric nurses are visiting the most "high risk" fans of the 33-year-old royal - who has 19-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William - ahead of her giving birth to her second child next month.
And the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC) are also searching for potential threats online, because it is believed the danger from stalkers increases in the lead up to significant events such as birth and marriage.
Dai Davies, former head of royal protection for the Metropolitan Police, told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "They give rise to a greater likelihood of an incident. If you look back through history the greatest threat to the Royal family apart from the IRA has been fixated individuals.
"Prevention is one of the key areas because in about 70% of cases where there have been attacks, the fixated person has indicated before the incident that they are going to do something."
The FTAC - which comprises nine detectives, three nurses and a community support officer - is led by a psychiatrist and a psychologist and investigates potential threats to VIPs. They believe the best way to stop stalkers getting close is to monitor them in the community and reduce the risk of a violent incident by making sure stalkers have access to mental health services.
Buckingham Palace receives 10,000 letters a year from people with mental illness, most of which are harmless.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr Frank Farnham, who works with the team, said last year: "We have a significant number of people who believe they are the Queen or are in a love with Prince William."
Royal

Britain's Prince Charles is reportedly frustrated by the influence Duchess Catherine's parents have in Prince William's life.
The 66-year-old heir-to-the-throne is said to feel upset that his son and daughter-in-law - who are expecting their second child together - spend so much time with her parents Michael and Carole Middleton, including a recent holiday to Mustique, while he rarely gets to see his grandson Prince George, 19 months.
He reportedly complained to friends: "They never let me see my grandson."
And a source added to the Daily Mail newspaper: "Carole has rather taken over, dictating when George naps, when and what he eats. All in all, behaving like she's Queen Carole."
The family have made few, if any, trips to Charles' Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire over the past year, with insiders speculating William is keen to protect his family from a similar "stiff" upbringing to the one he endured, while Carole is said to not get along particularly well with William's stepmother Duchess Camilla.
Though William and Catherine have an apartment at London's Kensington Palace, they spend most of their time at Anmer Hall, their home on Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham estate, and the duchess' family are frequent visitors.
The couple broke with tradition at Christmas by opting to stay at home and have lunch with the Middleton family, rather than eating with William's grandmother and the other royals.
Last month, it was revealed William's housekeeper and gardener, Amy and Colin Wood, have abruptly quit their posts after just five months and returned to their old roles at Sandringham, and it has been claimed they were unhappy the residence wasn't run like a "proper royal household".
A source said: "Staff have complained that Anmer is not run like a proper royal household. It is too middle class."
A royal spokesperson refused to comment on the claims.
Asked when Charles last saw George, they said: "We would not comment on the specifics of private arrangements. His Royal Highness enjoys an excellent relationship with his grandson."
Prince Charles frustrated by Middletons
Britain's Prince Charles is reportedly frustrated by the influence Duchess Catherine's parents have in Prince William's life.
The 66-year-old heir-to-the-throne is said to feel upset that his son and daughter-in-law - who are expecting their second child together - spend so much time with her parents Michael and Carole Middleton, including a recent holiday to Mustique, while he rarely gets to see his grandson Prince George, 19 months.
He reportedly complained to friends: "They never let me see my grandson."
And a source added to the Daily Mail newspaper: "Carole has rather taken over, dictating when George naps, when and what he eats. All in all, behaving like she's Queen Carole."
The family have made few, if any, trips to Charles' Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire over the past year, with insiders speculating William is keen to protect his family from a similar "stiff" upbringing to the one he endured, while Carole is said to not get along particularly well with William's stepmother Duchess Camilla.
Though William and Catherine have an apartment at London's Kensington Palace, they spend most of their time at Anmer Hall, their home on Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham estate, and the duchess' family are frequent visitors.
The couple broke with tradition at Christmas by opting to stay at home and have lunch with the Middleton family, rather than eating with William's grandmother and the other royals.
Last month, it was revealed William's housekeeper and gardener, Amy and Colin Wood, have abruptly quit their posts after just five months and returned to their old roles at Sandringham, and it has been claimed they were unhappy the residence wasn't run like a "proper royal household".
A source said: "Staff have complained that Anmer is not run like a proper royal household. It is too middle class."
A royal spokesperson refused to comment on the claims.
Asked when Charles last saw George, they said: "We would not comment on the specifics of private arrangements. His Royal Highness enjoys an excellent relationship with his grandson."
Royal

Britain's Prince William has called for China to end its ivory trade.
The 32-year-old royal spoke out after visiting Xishuangbanna, an elephant sanctuary, and appealed to end the slaughter of the animals for their tusks, calling the venture a "vicious form of criminality".
He said: "Ending demand for ivory is down to citizens across the world.
"No tradition or fashion is worth the extinction of an entire species, and no criminal gang should be allowed to destroy any part of nature.
"I am sure there are millions of people who share this conviction.
"It is appalling that elephants - and many others - may be extinct in the wild in our lifetimes, and that we seem to be hurtling towards that tragic outcome.
"The extinction of animals such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins would be an immeasurable loss to the whole of humanity."
William - whose pregnant wife Duchess Catherine and 19-month-old son Prince George have stayed in the UK - has enjoyed a seven-day visit to China and Japan and said as it came to a close yesterday (04.03.15) he had had a "truly wonderful" time.
He said: "I've had a truly wonderful visit to Japan and China. I've met lots of wonderful people - a very warm reception, and I really enjoyed myself.
"I look forward to building on relationships and building on partnerships going forward and doing as much collaboration as possible in a number of areas.
"But it's been very enjoyable and I have had a great time."
Prince William makes ivory appeal
Britain's Prince William has called for China to end its ivory trade.
The 32-year-old royal spoke out after visiting Xishuangbanna, an elephant sanctuary, and appealed to end the slaughter of the animals for their tusks, calling the venture a "vicious form of criminality".
He said: "Ending demand for ivory is down to citizens across the world.
"No tradition or fashion is worth the extinction of an entire species, and no criminal gang should be allowed to destroy any part of nature.
"I am sure there are millions of people who share this conviction.
"It is appalling that elephants - and many others - may be extinct in the wild in our lifetimes, and that we seem to be hurtling towards that tragic outcome.
"The extinction of animals such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins would be an immeasurable loss to the whole of humanity."
William - whose pregnant wife Duchess Catherine and 19-month-old son Prince George have stayed in the UK - has enjoyed a seven-day visit to China and Japan and said as it came to a close yesterday (04.03.15) he had had a "truly wonderful" time.
He said: "I've had a truly wonderful visit to Japan and China. I've met lots of wonderful people - a very warm reception, and I really enjoyed myself.
"I look forward to building on relationships and building on partnerships going forward and doing as much collaboration as possible in a number of areas.
"But it's been very enjoyable and I have had a great time."
Royal

Britain's Prince William took a penalty after watching a soccer master class yesterday (03.03.15).
The 32-year-old royal - an avid fan of the sport - was standing on the sidelines as British coaches worked with pupils from Nanyang High School in Shanghai but couldn't resist joining in and even received a high-five from an excited youngster after taking his shot at goal.
The sport is about to become part of the national curriculum in China and William urged the group to stick with the sport.
Coach Paul Hughes, who travels the world passing on his experiences under the British Council's Premier Skills scheme, said: "The Duke told the children that if they keep on working hard hopefully one day they might play in the Premier League.
"He asked them if they knew who David Beckham was, and said that if they got involved in football then one day they might meet him.
"The Duke was interested in how football helps build confidence, self-esteem and promotes good health, and how the game is going to become a big focal point in schools here."
After attending the soccer session, William went on to visit a Shanghai festival showcasing British design, ingenuity and technology.
Prince William takes penalty
Britain's Prince William took a penalty after watching a soccer master class yesterday (03.03.15).
The 32-year-old royal - an avid fan of the sport - was standing on the sidelines as British coaches worked with pupils from Nanyang High School in Shanghai but couldn't resist joining in and even received a high-five from an excited youngster after taking his shot at goal.
The sport is about to become part of the national curriculum in China and William urged the group to stick with the sport.
Coach Paul Hughes, who travels the world passing on his experiences under the British Council's Premier Skills scheme, said: "The Duke told the children that if they keep on working hard hopefully one day they might play in the Premier League.
"He asked them if they knew who David Beckham was, and said that if they got involved in football then one day they might meet him.
"The Duke was interested in how football helps build confidence, self-esteem and promotes good health, and how the game is going to become a big focal point in schools here."
After attending the soccer session, William went on to visit a Shanghai festival showcasing British design, ingenuity and technology.
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