Prince Charles Pays Family Debt From 1651

Prince Charles has paid off a family debt from the 17th century, but showed modern day financial prudence by declining to pay the accumulated interest, which would have been substantial after more than 350 years.

The payment of 453 pounds and 3 shillings ($900) was made Tuesday during a visit to Worcester by Charles and his wife Camilla.

The debt was incurred in 1651 when King Charles II — at the time recognized only as the King of Scotland — was preparing for the Battle of Worcester. He asked the Clothiers Company in Worcester to prepare uniforms for his soldiers and pledged to pay afterward — but his forces were defeated and Charles fled to mainland Europe.