Charles faces sex bias claim

The Prince of Wales is facing the embarrassment of a sex discrimination claim by a black secretary who left his household earlier this year.

Elaine Day, who worked for the prince for five years, is also alleging unfair dismissal.

It appears an earlier report that she was claiming racial discrimination is unfounded. Paddy Harverson, the prince's communications secretary, said: "This is not a racism issue." Three years ago another black employee, Lizzie Burgess, who was Charles's personal secretary at Highgrove, claimed racial discrimination at the hands of the prince's staff. Her case was dismissed by an employment tribunal.

Even though there are no allegations of racism this time, the case could provide unwelcome disclosures about the inner workings of Charles's household.

During her time at Clarence House Miss Day worked for two of Charles's key members of staff - assistant private secretaries Paul Kefford and Mark Leishman. Former BBC man Mr Leishman is the grandson of the Corporation's first directorgeneral, Lord Reith. Mr Harverson-said: "The former employee has filed a complaint alleging unfair dismissal, sexual discrimination and victimisation on the grounds of sex. Her complaint makes no allegation of racism or racial discrimination. We will be contesting the complaint vigorously."

The case has been filed with the Croydon employment tribunal and is likely to be heard late this year or early next.