An injunction banning the Guardiannewspaper from naming former royal servant Mr Michael Fawcett was lifted by agreement at the High Court today after the newspaper said it had no intention of repeating allegations about him.
The agreement meant that the Guardiancould only publish Mr Fawcett's name in relation to him obtaining an injunction against the Mail on Sunday.
That injunction remains in place pending a further hearing involving Mail on Sundaypublishers Associated Newspapers.
As the High Court agreement was confirmed, the MediaGuardian website named Mr Fawcett, former personal assistant to the Prince of Wales, as the man who had obtained the injunction against the Mail on Sunday.
Mr Desmond Browne QC, for the former royal aide, told Mr Justice Tugendhat, sitting in the High Court in London: "The claimant is delighted that it has been possible to reach an agreement with the Guardianwhich puts an end to these proceedings and saves further costs.
"The action will be discontinued by the claimant and your Lordship is asked formally to discharge the injunction granted by Mr Justice Henriques on November 3rd, 2003 and continued since then.
"The claimant's concern ever since he learnt of the utterly false allegations the Mail on Sundayintended to publish has been to preserve his reputation and protect his family.
"No other consideration motivated his action against the Guardian. "As your Lordship knows the injunction against Associated Newspapers granted by Mr Justice McKinnon remains in force and this settlement in no way affects it."
Mr Alan Rusbridger, editor of the Guardian, said after the hearing: "We are extremely pleased with this outcome which has significant implications for freedom of expression.
"The identity of those seeking libel injunctions should be a matter for public record - even when there is a connection to the royal family.
PA