A member of the British Royal family is the target of an alleged blackmail plot involving a video tape showing drug taking and sex, reports the Sunday Times today.

Buckingham Palace has refused to comment, saying only that it is a police matter and that Scotland Yard was investigating, however it is understood that the royal family member targeted is not a senior figure.

The extortion attempt reportedly began on the 2nd August, when a man contacted the Royal family member’s office stating that he had a video tape showing an aide being given cocaine by the Royal, followed by the aide performing a sex act on the Royal. The man then demanded £50 000, and threatened to go public with the tape if the demand was not met.

Scotland Yard detectives, posing as members of the Royal family member’s office, then reportedly met with, and arrested two men, aged 30 and 40. The pair appeared in court on 13th September, accused of blackmail, and were remanded in custody. Their case is due to be heard at The Old Bailey in December.

It remains to be seen whether the name of the Royal family member reporteded to be involved will be revealed.