The royal family is facing another scandal after the Queen’s cousin was accused of selling access to the Kremlin.
An undercover investigation reportedly caught Prince Michael of Kent admitting he was willing to use his royal status for personal profit and to seek favors from Vladimir Putin.
The sting by the Sunday Times and Channel 4 saw reporters posing as investors of a fake South Korean gold company seeking contacts in the Kremlin to further its business in Russia.
Prince Michael allegedly told the journalists by video call that he would give their company his royal endorsement in a recorded speech for a large fee.
He even said that he was willing to film the endorsement at his home in Kensington Palace.
The Prince’s business partner, Simon Reading, also reportedly told the fake investors that Michael could have “confidential” discussions with Putin’s regime.
Royal Responds to claims
Prince Michael, who is connected to Russia through his grandmother and speaks Russian, has since issued a statement.
The royal’s office said he “has no special relationship with President Putin” and that the two men last met close to two decades ago.
The royal “earns his own living through a consultancy company that he has run for over 40 years,” the statement said.
“Lord Reading is a good friend, who in trying to help, made suggestions which Prince Michael would not have wanted, or been able, to fulfil.”
Prince Michael and his wife, Princess Michael of Kent, are not senior working royals and receive no public funds.
However, they they are involved in some public duties including representing the queen at some engagements.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on the undercover investigation.