Prince Philip's former aide charged with sex assault on girl aged 12

Charge: Herman in Hampshire on WednesdayThe Duke of Edinburgh&rsquos former equerry has been charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Benjamin Herman, who went on to develop into a trusted aide to Princess Anne, will seem in court subsequent week to face 3 counts of indecent assault.

The Duke of Edinburgh&rsquos former equerry has been charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

Benjamin Herman, who went on to develop into a trusted aide to Princess Anne, will seem in court subsequent week to face 3 counts of indecent assault and one particular of attempted indecent assault on the girl in the 1970s, when he was operating for Prince Philip.

The ex-marine, 79, told a newspaper reporter he would fight the charges.

Police are believed to have scoured Prince Philip&rsquos official diaries from January 1972 to January 1974, the period when Herman is accused of carrying out the attacks.

Officers have also taken statements from former Buckingham Palace employees, it was reported last evening.

Herman worked as a individual assistant to Prince Philip for 3 years then became Prince Anne&rsquos private secretary before returning to the military where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

It is not known if Scotland Yard detectives have questioned any members of the royal loved ones over the accusations.

Herman will seem at Wimbledon magistrates court, south London, on Monday.

When asked whether or not he denied the charges, he replied, &ldquoof course&rdquo.

The grandfather, who now lives in Hook, Hants, has been on bail given that his arrest 18 months ago immediately after voluntarily attending a police station.

The Crown Prosecution confirmed he had been charged.

At the time of the alleged attacks Herman was splitting his time among his house in Windsor, Berks, and Wellington Barracks, close to Buckingham Palace.

From 1971 to 1974 Herman shadowed Prince Philip at various official engagements as his equerry.

He was then stated to be handpicked by Princess Anne to run her household when she got married in 1974.

After two years he resumed his military profession which saw him serve with 40 Commando, Royal

Marines, and get promoted to the position of Military Assistant and Aide-de-Camp to the Commandant Common Royal Marines.

dailynewsen.com