Men accused over royal 'plot' named

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ian Strachan and Sean McGuigan, both from London, are due to appear at the Old Bailey next month after allegedly threatening to release a video they claimed indicated that the royal had engaged in a sex act with an aide. It is believed the alleged blackmailers demanded £50,000 but a police sting ensured the evidence was seized and the men arrested with no money changing hands.

While the identity of the royal remains secret, sources have indicated it is not a senior member of the family. Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on the issue other than to say it was a "matter for the police" while a court order has banned the media from revealing his or her name.

The claims first surfaced in the Sunday Times, which said the alleged blackmailers first contacted the royal's aides on August 2.

One of the two men allegedly claimed to have video footage suggesting that a royal aide had in his possession an envelope containing cocaine supplied by the royal. It was also alleged during the conversation that a video tape existed in which it is indicated that an aide had performed oral sex on the royal.

It is understood that the video does not show any member of the royal family engaged in sexual or criminal acts, but just shows the aide talking about it.

A senior legal adviser to the royal is believed to have agreed with the alleged blackmailers that he would meet with them to view the tape before handing over the cash.

In the meantime the Metropolitan Police had been asked to intervene. Posing as an aide, an undercover detective contacted the men and arranged a rendezvous at the London Hilton in Park Lane on September 11.

The meeting was filmed secretly by officers in an adjacent room. Parts of the alleged blackmail video were shown before detectives stepped in, seized the tape and arrested the two men.

Strachan, 30, a property developer, and McGuigan, 40, appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 13th September each charged with one count of blackmail. They were remanded in custody to reappear at the Old Bailey on 20th December.