Prince Charles plans birthday bashes despite strain of national credit crunch

London, Sept 29 : Two bashes are reportedly being planned in honour of British Prince Charles' 60th birthday, even as the country groans under the strain of the credit crunch.

The first party would be a formal banquet at Buckingham Palace, as per the plans. It will be held a day before Charles's birthday on November 14.

As many as 170 guests are expected to attend the party, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The next party will take place two days later, and involve the Prince of Wales hosting a family event at his home in Highgrove House in Gloucestershire for 75 guests.

Just last week it had been revealed that the Queen's aides were pleading for extra cash to add to her 7.9million pounds civil list payment, but days later it was reported that Her Majesty was choosing a 7m pounds private jet, which is happening for the first time in her reign.

According to sources, Prince Charles' wife Camilla, 66, has enlisted the help of Michael Fawcett, a royal servant-turned-party planner, to organise the bashes.

"Camilla has worked extremely closely with the Queen and Michael on the formal birthday dinner. It will be an extravagant event with a lavish banquet," Daily Star quoted a source as saying.

"Camilla is making the Highgrove party very much her own. She has invited Princes William and Harry and Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy, as well as her children, Tom and Laura," the source added.

The plans for the two bashes have, according to a Clarence House spokesman, not been confirmed as yet.

"We haven't confirmed guest numbers or details, but the Queen is planning something for the 13th and Charles's wife the Duchess is planning something for the family and friends," the spokesman said.

ANI