An investigative report by British media mentioned Sunday that Queen Elizabeth IIs cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, was prepared to use his royal standing for private revenue and to search favors from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The undercover investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4 noticed reporters posing as traders of a faux South Korean gold firm searching for contacts within the Kremlin to additional its enterprise in Russia.
Prince Michael, 78, allegedly informed the reporters by Zoom that he would give their firm his royal endorsement in a recorded speech for a $200,000-fee. He added that he was comfortable to use his dwelling in Kensington Palace as a backdrop for the endorsement.
The royals enterprise accomplice, Simon Reading, additionally reportedly informed the faux traders that Michael could possibly be employed for 10,000 kilos ($14,000) a day to make confidential representations on behalf of the fictional gold agency, House of Haedong, to Putin.
If he (Prince Michael) is representing the House of Haedong, he may point out that to Putin and Putin would discover the appropriate one that is taken with South Korea or taken with gold, Reading reportedly mentioned. It simply opens the door, , which is so useful.
He went on to describe Michael as Her Majestys unofficial ambassador to Russia, and that pressure between the U.Ok. and Russia has not affected his relationship with Putin.
Responding to the report, Michaels workplace mentioned he has no particular relationship with President Putin and that the 2 males final met in 2003. The royal earns his personal residing via a consultancy firm that he has run for over 40 years.
Lord Reading is an efficient pal, who in attempting to assist, made solutions which Prince Michael wouldn’t have needed, or been in a position, to fulfill, his workplace mentioned.
Prince Michael and his spouse, Princess Michael of Kent, aren’t working royals and obtain no public funds, however they’re concerned in some public duties together with representing the queen at some engagements. Michael has represented the queen at state funerals in India, Cyprus and Swaziland prior to now, in accordance to the monarchys web site.
His biography mentioned Michael is related to Russia via his maternal grandmother, and is the primary member of Britains royal household to study Russian. He is concerned in charity work in Russia and is patron of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce.
Reading mentioned he regretted his over-promise in attempting to facilitate an introduction to Michael.
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