Yard set to prosecute Diana bodyguard

Scotland Yard chiefs want Princess Diana's former bodyguard Ken Wharfe charged over his controversial book about her.

A file has been sent to the the Crown Prosecution Service, it was confirmed today.

The former Met officer's decision to publish details of his six years as bodyguard to Diana is said to have wounded and angered her sons, William and Harry.

Former police colleagues see it as a betrayal of his position.

Mr Wharfe, 54, is the first policeman to write a royal biography and it is feared his actions could open the floodgates for other protection officers to air their secrets.

A Yard spokesman said: "The Metropolitan Police sent a report to the Crown Prosecution Service seeking their advice regarding this matter - the possibility of legal action over this book."

Last month Met Commissioner Sir John Stevens said he was "appalled" by the book, Diana: Closely Guarded Secret. It documents the problems between the princess and Prince Charles, and details romances with art dealer Oliver Hoare and cavalry officer James Hewitt.

Bodyguards employed by Scotland Yard are not covered by a confidentiality agreement.

Mr Wharfe, who stands to make a fortune from his revelations, denies betraying the princess and says his book tells the truth about Diana.