Senior MPs yesterday demanded a Treasury probe of Prince Charles's business empire amid claims of murky self-reporting and tax dodges on the heir's estate.

Commons public accounts committee chair Margaret Hodge condemned the veil of secrecy shrouding the heir to the throne's affairs and a sweetheart deal with the Treasury that allows him to choose his own tax contribution.

The heir to the throne's sprawling Duchy of Cornwall portfolio spans commercial real estate, electricity production and sales of marmalade and designer furnishings.