Fawcett named as former royal aide
A former royal servant who took out an injunction against the Mail on Sunday newspaper to stop it printing a story has been named as Michael Fawcett.
The Guardian newspaper won the right to reveal the identity of the former top aide to Prince Charles after a High Court ruling.
Mr Fawcett was originally awarded an injunction against the Mail on Sunday to stop it printing a story which Mr Fawcett said contains “utterly false allegations”. That injunction still remains in place.
However, the Guardian alleged that Mr Fawcett had received preferential treatment in being granted the injunction and sought permission to publish his name.
The Guardian told the court it had no intention of repeating the allegations, but had a right to name Mr Fawcett.
The Mail on Sunday returns to the High Court tomorrow to challenge the original injunction won against it last Saturday.
Desmond Browne QC, who represented the former royal aide, said: “The claimant is delighted that it has been possible to reach an agreement with the Guardian which puts an end to these proceedings and saves further costs.
“The claimant’s concern ever since he learnt of the utterly false allegations the Mail on Sunday intended to publish has been to preserve his reputation and protect his family,” he added.
“No other consideration motivated his action against the Guardian.”
A statement from the editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, said: “The Guardian is extremely pleased with the outcome, which has significant implications for freedom of expression.
“The identity of those seeking the injunction should be a matter of public record.”
