Prince Charles has been branded “tight” after he decided to give people who share his birthday a packet of biscuits costing just £2.49.


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The royal celebrates his 60th birthday on November 14 and is following in the footsteps of his mother Queen Elizabeth – who arranged for the 2,500 families who welcomed a baby into the world on the same day as her to receive a food hamper in 1948 – by sending out the complimentary packets of biscuits courtesy of his organic food firm Duchy originals.

The hamper the then Princess Elizabeth sent contained much-needed staples including powdered eggs, margarine, sugar, flour, powdered milk, raisins, apricots, soap and blankets. The idea was to ease the lives of those still in the grip of poverty following World War II.

In contrast, the prince – who earns £16 million a year from his Duchy of Cornwall estate – is only sending his treat to those who apply for it.

Richard Evans, who will be celebrating his landmark birthday on the same day as the prince, said: “Other people who had children around the time my mother had her hamper were very jealous that they had missed out.

“But it seems Charles is not being quite as generous. Sending a £2.49 pack of biscuits seems a little tight when you consider all the cash he’s got. If you have to apply too, I think I will save myself the trouble and go without.”

Chief Executive of Duchy Originals Andrew Baker confirmed the company would be sending out the gifts, saying: “With this being a significant birthday for the prince, we felt it appropriate to follow tradition and celebrate his 60th with the other men and women who share the milestone.”

The food company later added the first 25 people to apply for the biscuits would also receive a food hamper, with everyone else also being given a cook book.