The Royalist - BREAKING NEWS: Charles To Sue Newspaper

BREAKING NEWS: Charles To Sue Newspaper

Written by Joanne Leyland

Friday, 18 November 2005

In a surprise move, Clarence House has just announced that Prince Charles - seen in Warrington in the North West of England today - is to sue Associated Newspapers, owners of the Daily Mail and Mail On Sunday.

Last weekend the MoS ran with a front page and inside spread on the contents of a private journal written by Charles in July 1997. The comments, which we reported here earlier in the week, were particularly controversial as he dubbed the then Chinese leadership "waxworks".

This could be a tricky fight for Charles as it has to be said that the Mail newspapers have always been essentially 'pro-Diana'. It was The Mail On Sunday newspaper which bought up the story of George Smith, the Prince's former valet (who has since died), who alleged that he was the victim of a rape by a member of the Prince's staff.

Here is the full text of the Clarence House statement:

'The Prince of Wales has reluctantly decided to take legal action against Associated Newspapers following the publication of extracts from his private journals in The Mail on Sunday.

The Prince of Walesâ€™s Office has been advised by its lawyers that The Mail on Sunday has breached both The Prince of Walesâ€™s copyright and confidentiality.

Sir Michael Peat, Principal Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales, said today:

"This is a matter of principle. Like anybody else, The Prince of Wales is entitled to write a private journal without extracts being published.

"This journal was copied and passed to The Mail on Sunday without permission. We made this clear to The Mail on Sunday on five occasions, both orally and in writing.

"Nevertheless, The Mail on Sunday proceeded to publish these extracts despite the knowledge that it was in breach of The Prince of Walesâ€™s copyright and confidence."

Comment on this article