Prince Edward's 'Doctor Who' ban

Prince Edward was banned from appearing in a special 25th anniversary episode of 'Doctor Who' by palace officials.

Prince Edward was banned from starring in 'Doctor Who' by Buckingham Palace.

Newly-discovered letters from the sci-fi show's former producer - the late John Nathan-Turner - have revealed BBC bosses were keen for the prince to star in a three-part adventure in 1988, entitled 'Silver Nemesis.

The episodes were commissioned to mark the 25th anniversary of 'Doctor Who' and it was hoped the royal's involvement - where he would have played himself in a scene where the titular character and his assistant Ace arrive unexpectedly at Windsor Castle - would have created maximum publicity for the event.

However, Edward was forced to decline the offer due to a long-standing rule which bans members of the royal family from appearing in film projects.

John Haslam, assistant press secretary to the queen, wrote on March 29 1988: "I am afraid there is a firm, long-standing rule that permission is not given for filming at Royal residences in connection with fictional projects. The letters are held at the British Film Institute."

Andrew Cartmel, the programme's script editor, explained the correspondence suggests the prince - who was 24 at the time - wanted to appear in the BBC One show, but was prevented from doing so.

He said: "Reading between the lines it appears the Prince wanted to do it but was effectively blocked."