Crown and clergy

Prince Charles had known Peter Ball since the 1980s

1992

Peter Ball appointed Bishop of Gloucester. The Prince of Wales attends his installation, having first heard him preach during the 1980s, and as Ball is his local diocesan bishop.

1993

In March, Ball is cautioned for gross indecency and resigns after Neil Todd, a young man who attended his scheme for those considering a monastic life, reports him to the police for abuse.

1994

The Prince of Wales meets the then-archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey and asks him about Ball.

1997

In January, Lord Carey tells senior bishops that Ball can “exercise a full episcopal ministry”, meaning he can undertake functions only a bishop can undertake. In March, the Prince of Wales writes to Ball telling him that a house on the Duchy of Cornwall has been “bought successfully”. Ball and his brother Michael rented the property until 2011.

2001

In December the Prince writes to Ball cautioning him about approaching Lord Carey about a further return to ministry.

2012

Police reopen their investigation into Ball. Neil Todd takes his own life. In May, Ball writes to the Prince that: “I thought it had been fully examined 20 years ago.”

2015

In September Ball admits offences against 18 teenagers and young men. In October, he is jailed for 32 months.