Minister: Royals are 'a bit bonkers'

The controversy over the Countess of Wessex has taken a new twist with a Government minister saying the Royal Family are "a bit bonkers".

Consumer affairs minister Dr Kim Howells, the MP for Pontypridd, called for restrictions on the use of taxpayers' money to fund their activities.

Another intervention by a Government minister - Dr Howells' boss, the Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers, has already raised questions about the Countess's judgement - is likely to cause further dismay at Buckingham Palace.

It is already fearful of new allegations in the continuing "Sophie tapes" row.

In his interview on Department of Trade and Industry issues with The Daily Telegraph, Dr Howells said: "I've never understood the attraction of royalty.

"This isn't the first generation. They're all a bit bonkers. Think of George III, they even made a film about it (The Madness of King George). They choose very strange partners, they're not managing the modern world very well."

Speaking of allegations that the Earl of Wessex had used official overseas trips to secure business for his film company - allegations strongly denied by the Palace - Dr Howells said: "I suppose everybody trades on their fame, but I don't think the taxpayer should be paying for royal visits and first class air tickets to increase their profit margin."

The criticism was cross party. A senior Tory politician urged during a recording of BBC Radio 4's Any Questions? programme junior members of the Royal family to support the dignity of the monarchy - or "shut up."

David Davis, Conservative MP for Haltemprice and Howden, who chairs the House of Commons cross-party public accounts committee, said: "I do think the monarchy should have short coat-tails, as they say in America.

"It is very important to support the Queen, the Queen Mother, Prince Charles, but all the other hangers on, I think we have to take a slightly different view on. "