Prince Charles considers TV address

The Prince of Wales returned to Britain from the Middle East yesterday and began consulting advisers about possible legal action as the crisis mounted over his alleged involvement in a "compromising incident" with a royal servant.

Officials said Prince Charles would hold meetings at his country residence, Highgrove, to finalise a strategy that could include suing the former royal valet George Smith and making a television address to the nation. Clarence House said it had consulted libel and employment lawyers about whether it has grounds for an action against Mr Smith for breach of confidence. A decision will be taken by the Prince this week. A spokeswoman for the Prince said: "We have already made our position with regard to these claims very clear. The situation as to what further action should be taken is always under review."

Advisers are also considering whether the Prince should make a broadcast or give an interview, although Clarence House said it was not an immediate prospect.

The Mail on Sunday had promised to reveal the "true story" in an exclusive interview with Mr Smith. But a High Court injunction obtained by the Prince's former personal assistant Michael Fawcett, which bans the reporting of details of the story, continued to be observed yesterday.