Meghan Markle and Harry: Expert discusses Sussex Royal record

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Earlier this year, the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex were deemed unable to best serve the organisations they support in a review carried out by the Queen into their roles within the Royal Family. The couple had to relinquish their remaining royal roles and patronages which tied them to a number of UK bodies.

However, royal observers pointed out that, while the Sussexes had to give up their honorary titles, Prince Michael of Kent is allowed to hold on to his privileges despite recent controversy.

The Queen’s cousin was accused of selling “his privileged access” to Vladimir Putin’s Russian regime.

A report by The Sunday Times claimed Prince Michael “is alleged to be secretly selling his privileged access to Vladimir Putin’s Russian regime to business clients seeking favours from the Kremlin.”

The royal denied the allegations, but the investigation has led royal commentators to cast doubts over whether he should be allowed to retain his current privileges.

Royally Obsessed podcast hosts Roberta Fiorito and Rachel Bowie branded the situation as “a really bad look”.

Ms Fiorito said: “This feels so close to the death of the Queen’s husband and is something that is so unnecessary and such a royal scandal that comes on the back of a tragic event, it is so disheartening.

“We have seen Harry and Meghan – they lost their honorary military titles, they lost their patronages, they lost so much – and yet Prince Michael who is now (allegedly) exposed by undercover reporters still has his honorary titles, still has security, still living in a gorgeous apartment in the palace.

“It’s bad, it’s a really bad look, and for the Queen to deal with this right now…”

Simon Astaire, Prince Michael’s spokesman, refuted accusations that the royal enjoys “special relationship” with President Putin.

He told Express.co.uk: “Prince Michael has long-established business, charitable and cultural connections with Russia and is proud of all the work he has done for UK-Russia trade.

“Prince Michael has no special relationship with President Putin. They last met in 2003 and he has had no contact with him or his office since then.

“Lord Reading is a good friend, who made suggestions which Prince Michael would not have wanted, or been able, to fulfil.

“Prince Michael has never represented BP, in Russia or elsewhere.”

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