London, Nov 09: Back from his 10-day visit of India and the Middle East, heir to the British throne Prince Charles today decided to sue his former valet for levelling scandalous charges against him even as the Queen declared war on royal servants who "peddle secrets and lies". According to a Palace spokesperson, Prince Charles has instructed a leading firm of London solicitors to examine the case for legal action against the former valet George Smith, who worked for the Prince for 11 years until 1997, for "breach of confidence".
A report in the Sunday Times said Prince William wants to come to the aid of his father over what friends believe is a plot to block Prince Charles's succession to the throne.
"Prince William is supporting his father at this difficult time, as ever," a spokeswoman of Clarence House, where William yesterday spent several hours in talks with officials, said.
The Mail on Sunday oday boasted a "world exclusive" of "Charles and his valet: the true story". The tabloid reported a lengthy interview with smith, but failed to make specific allegations about the nature of an alleged "incident" that he was said to have witnessed. "I stand by my story," said Smith.
The newspaper claimed that another royal servant, who was not named, had also supported the allegations.
Bureau Report