In a startling move, the Prince of Wales' private secretary Sir Michael Peat has appeared live on TV to deny allegations that Charles was involved in a serious incident involving a former royal servant.
In the statement, broadcast Thursday evening, Sir Michael Peat said: "The allegation was that the Prince of Wales was involved in the incident. This allegation is untrue. The incident which the former employee claims to have witnessed did not take place."
Details of the exact nature of the allegations cannot be published for legal reasons.
Prince Charles, who was visiting Oman at the time of Sir Michael's broadcast, had apparently authorised the move hours after his former valet, Michael Fawcett, was revealed as the person who had twice tried to prevent newspapers naming him.
"There is particular sadness about this allegation," continued Sir Michael, "because it was made by a former Royal Household employee who, unfortunately, has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and has previously suffered from alcoholism and following active service in the Falklands."
"He has made other unrelated allegations which the police have fully investigated and found to be unsubstantiated."
Agreeing with TV interviewer Tom Bradby that it was rather unusual to make a statement about an unspecified allegation, Sir Michael said that its timing was in response to "a lot of gossip", "innuendo" and "speculation". "I thought it might be helpful if I made it entirely clear that it is untrue."
Some commentators point out, however, that rather than limiting any damage, the intervention is likely to increase speculation about the incident and those involved in it.
Touring a historic fort in Oman on Friday morning, the Price appeared to be taking the situation in his stride, joking to photographers who were about to take his picture, "There's a lot of reflected heat around here."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
