Palace to conduct internal review of Burrell trial collapse
Sir Michael Peat will examine concerns about the way the trial ended when the Queen came forward with crucial information which have led to claims that the Royal Family intervened to prevent embarrassing revelations emerging when Mr Burrell gave evidence.
But the Queen will not herself be a "witness" in Sir Michael's review as Buckingham Palace said he already knew her side of the story.
The palace inquiry, expected to publish its report for public consumption by Christmas, will also look at allegations of a cover-up over accusations of homosexual rape by one of the Prince of Wales's key aides and the issue of royal gifts allegedly being sold on for cash. Sir Michael also offered the first detailed explanation as to why the Queen did not come forward earlier to say that Mr Burrell had told her in 1997 he was holding on to some of Diana, Princess of Wales's possessions for safe-keeping.The revelation led to the collapse of his trial but Sir Michael said she was unaware this would happen. He said the questions for the inquiry team were:
Was there any improper cover-up of the 1996 rape allegations?
Was there anything improper or amiss in the conduct of the Prince of Wales's household with respect to the termination of the Paul Burrell trial?
Have official gifts been sold?
Have any members of staff been in receipt of improper payments or benefits?
