As a prince, Charles was renowned for his outspoken views on a wide range of issue, from climate change to architecture.
Mocked by some for his thoughts, and accused of interfering with social and political matter that may not concern him, Charles has always insisted on speaking his mind on issues which he believes are important to people in this country.
And so, when an investment activist yesterday urged stakeholders to reject the OnTheMarket takeover deal agreed with CoStar in part because the proposed acquisition by the Washington D.C. based group “is not in the United Kingdom’s national interest” it would be interesting to know what King Charles’ feelings are on the matter.
Brett Stone, who is not himself an investor in the group, said the £100m deal was ‘opportunistic’ and ‘significantly undervalues’ the property portal.
Stone believes institutional and estate agent shareholders should both vote against CoStar’s offer, and explained his reasons why in an open letter shared this week with stakeholders, including London Wallet, the BBC, and King Charles.
Yes, King Charles III.
Unfortunately, the monarch is keeping his cards close to his chest.
Charles is aware that heir-to-the-throne and monarch were two very different roles, and so-far as King he has resisted the temptation to use his position to promote or comment on many subject matters.
Charles’s former private secretary William Nye said the king was always destined to follow the example of his mother and grandfather George VI, when it comes to commenting on issues publicly.
Although Charles himself has suggested there are some issues about which he will refuse to be silenced, it is highly unlikely that the OnTheMatter takeover is one of them!
Incidentally, Brett Stone also sent his letter to Prince William, Rishi Sunak, Jeremy Hunt, Kier Starmer, Ed Davey, Michael Gove, Rachel Maclean, among a host of other well-known public figures.
Disgruntled investor issues open letter urging shareholders of OnTheMarket to reject takeover deal
