Get a Clown Prince gong like the Queen . . . for £ 3,000
IF THE Queen thought she was joining an exclusive order when she was given a dazzling gold gong by the Crown Prince of Georgia, the shine is about to come off. The Mail on Sunday has learnt anyone can buy the same honour for a few thousand pounds.
Last week we revealed that Prince Davit – whose claim to the Georgian throne is disputed – had managed to charm his way into Kensington Palace to hand over the so-called Grand Collar of the Eagle of Georgia and the Seamless Tunic of Jesus Christ. It was accepted by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on behalf of Her Majesty but triggered a row because the gift was not presented by a head of state, as tradition dictates.
Now it has emerged anyone can become a member of the same order by handing over £3,000 to Alfredo Escudero, the ‘Grand Chancellor’ to the Prince. Escudero – who styles himself a duke – is in charge of the Order of the Eagle.
According to a price list he sent out, a donation of £850 would secure a knighthood, and £3,000 would ensure receipt of the Grand Collar. When asked if the cash would go to Prince Davit, he replied: ‘Absolutely.’
The Queen’s acceptance of the honour has now been highlighted on the official website of Prince Davit.
Georgia has long been a republic, and Prince Davit’s claim to his title is disputed by rival Prince Nugzar. He told the MoS the honour served only to spread Prince Davit’s ‘false claims’ to the title and has ‘no relation to Georgian tradition’.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment. The Foreign Office said: ‘Any evidence of the acceptance of gifts being used for commercial purposes would be considered carefully.’