`Open' relationship preferred to marriage

London - A leading member of the Church of England, the Right Rev Hugh Montefiore, a former bishop of Birmingham, said he believed…

London - A leading member of the Church of England, the Right Rev Hugh Montefiore, a former bishop of Birmingham, said he believed Prince Charles's open relationship with Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles was preferable to a marriage between them. Asked on the BBC One O'Clock News yesterday whether it was tenable for the Church of England to have a supreme governor openly living outside wedlock, he said: "It has happened before - George I. I think it would probably be preferable than marrying.

"I don't know who would marry them. I am not condoning the relationship, I'm simply saying I think it is better than getting married.

"I speak for myself and not for the Church of England," he said.