Valet's family: He wants justice

George Smith's family today dismissed accusations of him being a fantasist and a liar and said: "He is more determined than ever to see this thing through."

"He wants justice," said his younger brother Bryan, who accused palace officials of prolonged "character assassination".

Mr Smith, 41, of Newport, Wales, said: "George has had problems in the past but he only became mentally unstable because they wouldn't listen to him. He had an excellent record in the Army, which is why Prince Charles seconded him into the royal household.

"But he's had no help whatsoever. No one took him seriously. They just pushed him to one side and tried to ignore him. They wanted to keep him quiet. It was handled very badly right from the start. What he has had to say has been very damaging to the household, but it has to be said."