The Sun, 30 May 2005Byline: Tim Spanton

The Queen and Camilla

Gay Derek is Duchess's pal

GAY Big Bruv huntmaster Derek Laud is a close pal of Prince Charles' wife Camilla.

The Tory activist went on holiday to Italy with the Duchess of Cornwall last year.

Friends close to Camilla say she fears the talkative TV housemate may accidentally blab intimate details of her romance with the Prince.

Derek, a former speechwriter for Margaret Thatcher, went riding in the Tuscan hills with the Duchess and Penny Mortimer – wife of Rumpole of the Bailey creator Sir John.

Derek, 40, is quoted on the official C4 Big Brother website saying: "My outspokenness gets me in trouble."

And a friend of Camilla said last night: "That is exactly what's got us so worried. Camilla is concerned Derek might reveal a confidence.

"She doesn't think he'd do it maliciously. But Derek's full of life and loves to be the centre of attention.

"He could easily say something indiscreet one moment and bitterly regret it the next. By then it would be too late." Camilla, Derek and Penny flew to Italy last June.

They all knew such informal get-togethers would be a thing of the past once Camilla, 57, wed Charles.

The vacation was without security guards or a Royal entourage. Instead the three pals and a local guide rode on backwoods trails in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, also a favourite with PM Tony Blair. They made overnight stays in small lodges but also spent several nights in a Poppiano castle asguests of a rich wine-making family.

Camilla, Derek and Penny met through their shared interest in fox-hunting. Six years ago Londoner Derek was elected joint huntmaster of the famed New Forest Foxhounds.

Camilla's friend said: "They got on very well in Tuscany from what I have heard. A lot of good Italian food was eaten and red wine drunk.

"Camilla was somewhat surprised to read that Derek had turned up on Big Brother.

She's not a fan of it, but has been anxiously tuning in every so often to reassure herself.

"Camilla regards Derek and Penny as among her very best friends – which is why she went on holiday with them. She knows neither would betray her deliberately, but can't help worrying somethingwill slip out."

Derek asked advice from controversial couple Neil and Christine Hamilton before joining Big Brother.

He has known them 20 years and provided a dinner alibi when they were falsely accused of rape in 2001.

Last night TV presenter Christine, 55, said: "Derek came to us a few weeks ago and asked our adviceon whether he should go into the house. We made sure he was aware of all the pitfalls that could arise.

"I've no doubt he'll be very discreet. None of his friends should be at all fearful that he'll spill the beans."

Derek is mentioned in the autobiography of ex-PM John Major, but withdrew as a 1997 election candidate after a drink-driving conviction.