Prince Michael of Kent has been accused of misusing his royal status to seek favours from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches, Prince Michael was covertly filmed at a business meeting telling prospective clients he could be hired to make business representations to the leaders of Russia.
Prince Michael, cousin to The Queen, was recorded at the virtual meeting by two undercover journalists who were posing as prospective clients.
The Prince’s close friend and business partner, the Marquess of Reading, was also present and told the journalists that His Royal Highness could take advantage of his role as “Her Majesty’s unofficial ambassador to Russia” to gain access to the Kremlin.
The prince’s friend and business partner of 30 years, the Marquess of Reading, told undercover reporters that the prince could take advantage of his role as “Her Majesty’s unofficial ambassador to Russia” to gain access to decision makers in the Kremlin pic.twitter.com/cWjIsWQa9X
— The Sunday Times (@thesundaytimes) May 8, 2021
Prince Michael also confirmed that for a fee of $200,000, he would be happy to grant royal endorsement for the prospective client’s company in a recorded speech using Kensington Palace as the backdrop.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Prince Michael denied that the 78-year-old has a “special relationship with Putin”, saying the two men haven’t been in contact with each other for 18 years.
The spokesperson added: “Lord Reading is a good friend, who made suggestions that Prince Michael would have not wanted, or been able, to fulfil.”
The Marquess of Reading said: “I was trying to facilitate an introduction to my friend Prince Michael. I made a mistake and I overpromised and for that, I am truly regretful.”
Prince Michael has always taken a keen interest in Russia, and is a well known figure in the country. The Prince speaks fluent Russian and is an accredited Russian interpreter.
You can read the full report in The Sunday Times by clicking here, and Channel 4 will air a special programme on Monday at 7:30pm called ‘Royals For Hire’.
