Prince Philip’s former aide has been charged with sexually assaulting a girl in Putney, while he was working with the Royal Family in the 1970s.

Benjamin Herman, 79, has been charged with three indecent assaults between 1972 and 1974.

During this time he served as an equerry, or personal assistant, to the Duke of Edinburgh.

The alleged victim was about 12 years old at the time.

Mr Herman is due appear before Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "Officers from Wandsworth CID investigating an allegation of historical sexual assault which occurred between 1972 and 1974 at a location in Putney arrested a 79-year-old man.

"He was subsequently bailed to a date in mid-June pending further investigation."