From consort to ‘Countess’: Sir Tim’s lover bought a title
DESPITE having a tumultuous eightyear romance with lyricist lothario Sir Tim Rice, Amanda Eliasch was never asked to become his lady.
Now, the vivacious ex-wife of Tory billionaire donor Johan Eliasch has taken matters into her own hands by acquiring a title of her own.
The 57-year-old photographer and film-maker has become ‘Countess’ Amanda Eliasch after the title was bought via the Devon-based company Elite Titles — for just £195!
Although the title comes with no rights to property and won’t be included in Burke’s Peerage, Amanda is entitled to use it on her passport or driving licence. And it could help secure her an upgrade on a flight or a better table in a restaurant.
While many in her social circle might be snobbish about acquiring a title in such a way, Amanda is unabashed and has started using it on social media.
She tells me there is no difference between the way her title was bought and others that were awarded after the recipients had made big donations to political parties, for example.
Suggesting she had been given the title as a gift, she says: ‘What do you buy friends who have everything? A title? Most people who have one paid for them one way or another.’
Amanda’s Swedish-born former husband, who made an estimated £1.35 billion fortune through sports equipment company Head, was never awarded an honour despite donating £1 million to the Conservative Party and lending it another £2.6 million.
Under Tony Blair, Scotland Yard launched an investigation into the
possible connection between political donations and the awarding of life peerages.
However, the Crown P rosecution Service announced in 2007 that it would not bring any charges.
Amanda, who has been described as looking ‘like Marilyn Monroe dressed as a gothic Japanese schoolgirl’, declines to say any more about her honour.
She would be spoiled for choice if she were to be asked to marry Oscar winner Sir Tim, 72, as she could then refer to herself as Lady Rice as well as ‘Countess’ Amanda.
Sir Tim, though, has shown little sign of wanting to tie the knot for a second time. Although he obtained a decree nisi, he never completed his divorce from his wife, Jane, despite numerous relationships with women, including singer Elaine Paige.
He has one daughter with artist Nell Sully and another , born last year, with writer Laura- Jane Foley.