Diana's ex-butler gets trial date

Mr Brown has been in Royal service for 30 years

A former butler to the Royal family has been committed for trial accused of stealing items from the estate of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Harold Brown, 48, appeared on Wednesday at Bow Street Magistrates' Court charged with the theft of three items.

The trial was set for 27 September at Southwark Crown Court in London

Mr Brown is alleged to have stolen a diamond encrusted model of an Arabian dhow, said to be worth £500,000, and other items of jewellery.

Mr Brown was not employed by Diana at time of her death

The model was a gift from the Emir of Bahrain when the Prince and Princess of Wales married in 1981.

Another man, Jan Havlik, from Chelmsford in Essex, also appeared at Bow Street Magistrates' Court charged with handling the items.

Mr Brown has spent around 30 years working for members of the Royal family.

The butler, who lives at Kensington Palace, was not employed by Princess Diana at the time of her death.