7:38am UK, Friday January 23, 2004

Britain's most senior police officer will reportedly personally ask Prince Charles if he plotted to kill Diana, Princess of Wales.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens believes only he should handle the sensitive interview, reports the Daily Mail.

Prince Charles

The newspaper says Charles, who will accompanied by his new lawyer Gerrard Tyrrell, is keen to end the conspiracy theories over his ex-wife's death as soon as possible.

Senior police sources claim Sir John will conduct the interview during the summer and will draw up a list of specific questions to ask.

Earlier this month, Royal Family coroner Michael Burgess opened inquests into the deaths of Diana and her partner Dodi Fayed and asked police to examine claims surrounding the fatal car crash.

Speaking on BBC News 24, Sir John confirmed he would interview Prince Charles if necessary.

Asked about conspiracy theories, he replied: "You have my word that we will look at this.

"By the time this inquiry has been finished and we've looked at every single part of these allegations we will know what the truth of the matter is and then we will disclose that to the coroner."

A senior police source told the Daily Mail: "There will never be a better opportunity to make sure all these conspiracy theories are properly investigated."