Charles fury as lawyers still raise doubts

Lawyers are still split on the legality of Prince Charles's wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles today - despite its getting the backing of the Lord Chancellor.

A series of constitutional experts are warning that Lord Falconer's claim the Human Rights Act clears the way for the marriage may be wrong.

The debacle has become an international laughing stock, with Prince Charles today said to be furious with advisers. One Canadian newspaper likened the situation to an episode from Coronation Street.

Prince Charles - who was today visiting the restored Christ Church in Spitalfields - is said to have lost his temper with courtiers after it emerged they failed to foresee the problems of having the wedding in Windsor Castle.

It was switched to the Windsor Guildhall, with the Queen staying away, and constitutional experts casting doubt on the legality of a civil ceremony.

"The prince really lost his temper," a source said. "He was telling everyone it had turned into a bloody farce." Another aide told the Daily Mail: "Everything that could have gone wrong is going wrong. It is excruciatingly embarrassing." Mrs Parker Bowles is said to be "battered and hurt".

Family lawyer Valentine Le Grice QC queried what might happen if other royals married in a register office: "Those marriages may produce children and it may be important to know if they are legitimate." Ministers last night insisted a wedding would be lawful.