Millions of British Sunday newspaper readers were at last given the chance to read the full transcript of an intimate conversation allegedly between Prince Charles and a mar-ried woman friend.
Papers around the world have given full details of the heir to the British throne's explicit telephone call with Camilla Parker Bowles, allegedly recorded in 1989.The People's front-page headline read: "Camillagate - Read the royal love tape in full" and its rival the Sunday Mirror said: "Why we publish that tape today. Decide for yourself."
Since the transcript first appeared in Australia's New Image magazine last Wednesday, copies faxed to Britain have been circulating amongst journalists, politicians and office workers.
British newspapers facing the possibility of strict new government media curbs were initially cautious.
The People said its decision to publish had not been reached lightly. "We recognize that by doing so we will cause severe embarrassment, not just to the couple themselves but to the entire royal family. But we strongly believe that publication is in the public interest," the newspaper said.
Speculation intensified about Prince Charles, now separated from his wife Princess Diana. The Observer newspaper said he was so depressed about revelations about his private life that he did not want to become king.
The Sunday Telegraph said the prince was ready to accept a celibate lifestyle to win back the public confidence he believes is vital to guarantee his succession to the throne.