British Queen's cousin impersonates unofficial royal envoy... "I will arrange a meeting with Putin"

UK Labour Party Criticizes "Doubt Over Maintaining Royal Status"
Living by Running Consulting Firm Without Royal Support

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Prince Michael, a cousin of the British Queen, is embroiled in allegations that he tried to make money by impersonating an unofficial royal envoy, sparking controversy over whether he should be stripped of his royal status. It is known that he has operated a consulting firm without royal support for over 40 years, drawing attention to whether he has previously exploited his royal status for business purposes.

On the 9th (local time), according to foreign media including the BBC in the UK, the British Labour Party stated in a report, "There is evidence that Prince Michael attempted to trade on his royal status without hesitation by claiming he could connect people with Russian President Vladimir Putin," adding, "It raises questions about whether he should retain his royal status."

The evidence emerged through undercover investigations by local media such as the UK’s Sunday Times and Channel 4. Reporters from these media outlets disguised themselves as Korean entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business in Russia and contacted Prince Michael. It is reported that the prince’s side said they would arrange a meeting with President Putin for a commission of $200,000. According to the Sunday Times, the Marquess of Reading, a business partner and friend of Prince Michael, falsely claimed that Prince Michael was "the Queen’s unofficial envoy to Russia." All conversations between them were secretly recorded.

Prince Michael’s representatives deny the allegations. A spokesperson for Prince Michael stated, "He has never impersonated the Queen’s unofficial envoy, and he met President Putin only once in 2003, with no contact since then." However, since it is known that Prince Michael has maintained his livelihood by running a consulting firm without royal support for over 40 years, additional suspicions beyond this incident are expected to arise.

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