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 John Herman, 79, of Hook, Hampshire appeared on Monday, August 4, on bail at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.

He was charged with three counts of indecent assault on a female under the age of 14, and one count of attempted indecent assault of a girl under the age of fourteen.

He was bailed to appear at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, August 18, for a plea and case management hearing.

Herman was charged with the offences on Thursday, July 17, following his arrest on Friday, February 28.

The charges relate to allegations of historical sexual assault which occurred between 1972-1974 at a location in Putney.

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