Labour exploiting Sophie tapes - ex-Royal press officer

A former press officer at Buckingham Palace today warned of the hypocrisy of those condemning the Countess of Wessex for remarks she made in the so-called Sophie tapes.

A full transcript of what the Countess and her business partner Murray Harkin said to a reporter disguised as an Arab sheikh is spread over 10 pages of a Sunday newspaper.

Dicky Arbiter, who recently retired from royal service, said the Countess had been unfortunate in getting caught in the crossfire of a newspaper sting.

He told Radio Five Live: ‘‘Unfortunately she has been the victim of a sting on her partner and caught the flak.’’

Mr Arbiter also said the Government has taken advantage of the furore for political gain.

He said: ‘‘I think probably some in the Labour Party are exploiting the situation. All you have got to do is think of recent remarks of a junior minister. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.’’

Mr Arbiter said: ‘‘Everyone is trying to capitalise on what is an unfortunate event and will in time blow itself away.’’

The affair has generated debate over the whether the Countess can continue with her career and be an active member of the Royal family.

Mr Arbiter said: ‘‘Probably she could carry on, the business needs managing, but certainly she should carry on without her partner in light of what has come out today.

‘‘If you believe what is written in the papers, then for a whole week everyone has been duped into believing what is alleged to have been said.

‘‘What she is alleged to have said bears no resemblance to what she did say.’’

When asked why she should have written apology letters if she had nothing to hide, Mr Arbiter said: ‘‘We cannot know what was written in those letters.’’

He did not agree that it was a waste of taxpayers’ money for the Royal family to take trips and said the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s recent trip to Bahrain has been a ‘‘flag waving’’ event and had gone ‘‘extremely well’’.