Charles’s confession gets mixed reaction

THE Prince of Wales’s decision to name himself as the senior Royal accused of involvement in an allegedly compromising incident witnessed by a servant met a mixed reaction tonight.

Public relations guru Max Clifford said there had been no choice but to make a statement.

"They must have been aware that his name would come into the public arena, with foreign media using it, and people hearing that," he said. "I can see what they are trying to do but I don't think it's going to be effective.

"There are more and more accusations and allegations out there, and if they are going to continue just to try to suppress things which this is another example of then they are going to find it difficult.

"The problem for them is that Paul Burrell has come out with revelations which obviously are proving embarrassing to the Royal Family and he stands to make hundreds of thousands of pounds from it.

"In the past nobody would have dared, but he has, and is getting away with it.

"Now if you're earning £9,000 a year and see a chance to set up your family with a large cash sum then more and more people are going to think about it.

"When anybody is surrounded by servants, the likelihood is that there are lots of things those servants will have witnessed which would be embarrassing for the family concerned.

"The Royal Family desperately needs to understand what is going on. They have to face up to reality, it's for them to find out what potential problems there are out there and address them.

"Historically, a lot of things have been kept quiet, but times have changed, they are changing, so even if Prince Charles successfully manages to dampen down this scenario, it's only a matter of time before other allegations are brought before the media and the public."

Dickie Arbiter, the Queen's former press secretary, said it was a mistake to release the statement. "Given the same scenario I would have maintained a dignified silence, he said.

He added that the statement would no doubt prompt wild speculation among the public which would be fired by the media.

He called for compassion for William and Harry who were, he said, yet again the innocent victims.

Royal biographer Penny Junor said "The truth is the best form of defence. If the allegations are false then someone needs to say so.

"The person who knows if they are true or false is the Prince of Wales and he is saying they are false and I personally choose to believe him."