6 August 2008

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN

We believe the Evening Standard's front page story today titled 'Prince Philip Defies Cancer Scare' is a serious breach of Prince Philip's privacy.

Buckingham Palace has always maintained that Members of the Royal Family have a right to privacy, particularly in relation to their personal health. For this reason, we have always refused to confirm or deny the persistent rumours that circulate about their health, particularly during the quieter news months.

We will continue to observe this long-standing practice; but on this occasion, because the damaging story is now being reported widely, The Duke of Edinburgh has authorised us to confirm that the claim made by the Evening Standard that he has received a 'diagnosis of prostate cancer' is untrue.

We believe there has been a serious breach of The Duke of Edinburgh's right to privacy and we will be taking this issue to the Press Complaints Commission. We will be asking the PCC to remind all editors of their obligations.

Further information
Apology from the Evening Standard, issued on 8 August 2008 (opens in new window)

Press Complaints Commission article on the apology (opens in new window)