Prince Charles to celebrate his 60th birthday twice making taxpayers worried

The Duchess of Cornwall is understood to have asked Michael Fawcett, who is renowned for his lavish parties, to help organise the dinner the day before the Prince's birthday.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to attend the formal birthday dinner on November 13 along with around 170 other dignitaries and guests.

Along with Princes William and Harry and Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy other guests are expected to include the writer and actress Meera Syal, Stephen Fry, Earl and Countess of Wessex, Duke of York and close friends Hugh and Emilie van Cutsem.

The Prince is expected to spend his actual birthday, November 14, with his family and the next day have a private party, again organised by the Duchess.

Mr Fawcett organised the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's diamond wedding anniversary party last year and the Duchess's 60th celebrations in June 2007.

Mark Wallace, of the Taxpayers' Alliance, criticised the party plans.

He said: "It is surprising. Given that earlier this year the Queen said she would rein in royal spending due to the credit crunch hitting her subjects, the decision to have two lavish parties is questionable."

Last week the Queen was reported to have asked the Government for millions of extra funding after aides said there is a £6.5 million black hole in the royal accounts.