Charles III, King of the United Kingdom
Autograph letter signed ("Charles") to Lieutenant Colonel Ian Robertson, reading "I have been following with some concern the complaints that have been received, both in my office and the Duchy office, about your sons' shooting activities on the islands. I do appreciate that you have been doing your best to reduce the unauthorised shooting that has regularly taken place. Obviously it is important that the Duchy does its best to contrast poaching, even though the islanders may not exactly see it in that light, having been used to banging away since time immemorial. I do think it is most unfortunate, however, that having imposed such a ban you should let your sons shoot. I can understand your argument, to a certain extent, that their prays were strictly limited and under your control - nevertheless, the fact that they are your sons and have been doing what you have specifically forbidden to others to do is bound to cause resentment and is, at the best rather tactless. I can understand your desire to set up what you describe as a 'mini-Bradninch' [...] I am somewhat doubtful, however, that we should go ahead with such a scheme in the Scillies, which is so small an area. A large amount of the shootable area will, moreover, be in a National Natural Reserve in due course. There are many people who regard nature reserves as places which should remain as undisturbed as possible and will take the view that shooting game over them should not be permitted. I must say that I have considerable sympathy with this view", four pages, folding marks, punch holes to left margins slightly touching the text, light creasing, 4to, Highgrove, 12 February 1983; with original mailing envelope.