Papers back Prince William

The papers are understanding of Prince William's attack on the latest book about his mother, with some highlighting the apparent strength of feeling behind his remarks.

The Mirror says it was a "furious outburst."

The Daily Express believes that a sense of deep hurt could be read in his face when he referred to the book by Princess Diana's former private secretary. "With every measured word, he grew in stature," says The Daily Mail. The Mirror thinks his condemnation was "all the more devastating for its understatement".

But The Times sees things differently - calling his remarks "one rash moment" which marred an otherwise assured debut before the world's press.

It says it would be better for him to stay silent because "the main effect will simply be to sell more copies of the book".

The Sun is yet more pointed - telling Prince William he has a "hard lesson" to learn. The paper takes upon itself the task of reminding him that Princess Diana was "a wonderful person, but not a saint".

Both The Times and The Sun are owned by Rupert Murdoch, as is The Sunday Times, which is currently serializing the book.

That leads The Daily Telegraph to comment that the book serves no interests but the bank balances of the author - and Mr. Murdoch.