The Prince of Wales's office tonight defended itself against mounting criticism over its inquiry into the collapse of the trial of Mr Paul Burrell.
At the end of a day during which British Labour MPs and other senior figures lambasted the internal review announced by St James's Palace as not being independent enough, a spokeswoman insisted its legitimacy would be safeguarded by the inclusion of an eminent lawyer on the inquiry team.
And the lawyer, Mr Edmund Lawson QC, insisted the inquiry would be "thorough and impartial".
The prince's private secretary Sir Michael Peat will be joined in his investigation by Mr Lawson to look into concerns about the way the Burrell trial collapsed when the Queen came forward with information undermining the prosecution's case.
The inquiry will also examine allegations of homosexual rape at Buckingham Palace and claims that Royal gifts have been sold.
A spokeswoman for the prince said tonight: "It's an internal inquiry, yes, but with the help of someone external. Edmund Lawson QC does have a reputation for being independent."
Mr Lawson also issued a statement through the palace, promising that "no punches would be pulled".
He said: "[Sir Michael Peat] has stressed to me the Prince of Wales's and his concern to ensure that the inquiry is thorough and impartial and that my assistance has been sought both to achieve that and so that I can, in particular, address the legal aspects.
"No punches are to be pulled. I must now acquaint myself with the documents already available with a view to identifying and pursuing further potential sources of information."
PA