Duke of Norfolk is accused of a 'whitewash' probe

The Duke of Norfolk has been accused of a ‘whitewash’ investigation after bullying allegations against one of the Queen’s key advisers were thrown out.

The Mail on Sunday revealed last month that the Duke was investigating complaints against David Vines White after three secretaries and two porters quit following his appointment as Garter Principal King of Arms in July.

Complaints alleged ‘aggressive behaviour’ and ‘tantrums’ by Mr White at the College of Arms, the heraldic authority that advises Buckingham Palace on ceremonial events, including those to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

The Mail on Sunday revealed last month that the Duke was investigating complaints against David Vines White after three secretaries and two porters quit following his appointment as Garter Principal King of Arms in July

The 65-year-old Duke – England’s most senior peer who oversees the College in his role as Earl Marshal – said he had now cleared Mr White of wrongdoing and declared his ‘full confidence’ in the aide.

He added: ‘Look, we can all do our jobs a little better, can’t we? And I have left Garter with a few quiet thoughts, but honestly it’s a very happy ship and these accusations are unfounded.’

But a College source said: ‘The Duke only spoke to the Garter and took everything he said as gospel. He didn’t even speak to anyone else. It was a total whitewash.’

The Duke described the allegations against Mr White as a ‘ridiculous storm in a teacup’, adding: ‘There are a lot of false accusations.’

The peer also named Mr White’s former secretary Caroline Goldsack – who quit last November – as ‘one woman making mischief’.

Complaints alleged ‘aggressive behaviour’ and ‘tantrums’ by Mr White at the College of Arms, the heraldic authority that advises Buckingham Palace on ceremonial events, including those to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. Her Majesty is pictured above earlier this month

He added: ‘I would absolutely refute from my investigations that the Garter has been bullying or aggressive and that’s why all these staff have left… I am extremely content that there’s a lot of false accusations being made against a good man who is doing a great job and who has the confidence, not only of me, but all the other heralds.’

But Ms Goldsack last night said: ‘I have not previously raised a complaint, nor commented about bullying allegations at the College of Arms, so question the grounds for the Duke of Norfolk’s statements, including regarding my being “one woman making mischief”.

‘The Duke seems to have concluded his investigation without speaking to any of the women referenced.

‘The fact that the issue was brought to light by other sources, the way it has been handled and what has emerged are suggestive of a wider malaise at the College.’

The Duke also attached blame to Roger Whitworth, a former secretary of the White Lion Society, which raises money for the College. He has made a formal complaint about Mr White’s alleged behaviour and resigned from the society last year. ‘I have had no contact with the Duke whatsoever despite being the person who submitted the letter of complaint,’ he said.

The Duke said: ‘The matter is closed.’ Mr White did not respond to a request for comment but last month said he did not ‘recognise this account of recent events’.