Lady Samantha Carbisdale, a barrister and businesswoman, has withdrawn her invitation for Prince Andrew to reside at her Scottish castle after receiving hostile public feedback that included threats of violence.
The owner of the 19-bedroom Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland had initially extended the offer through social media last week, suggesting her estate as accommodation "more fit to receive a prince" amid reports of the prince's potential relocation to a smaller Highland property.
The backlash prompted Lady Kane to rescind her proposal, though she communicated to both the King and Prince Andrew that the castle would continue to be at the disposal of the Royal Family should they require it in future.
In correspondence posted on Facebook, Lady Kane detailed how she had written to His Majesty to update him on restoration work at the castle, which she indicated the King had been following with interest.
Businesswoman withdraws castle invite to Prince Andrew after 'threats of violence'
|FACEBOOK VIA SAMANTHA KANE / GETTY
She revealed that numerous members of the public had expressed antagonistic sentiments towards her following the accommodation proposal, with certain individuals making threats of physical harm and property damage.
"Many of these views were hostile towards me in response to offering my Castle to the Prince, some threatening violence and even criminal damage," Ms Kane stated in her social media post.
The businesswoman, who purchased the historic property in 2022, explained that given these circumstances, she believed the arrangement would not be feasible unless the Crown specifically chose to utilise Carbisdale Castle.
The castle, originally constructed in 1907 for Mary Caroline, the Duchess of Sutherland, has undergone extensive renovation work under Lady Kane's ownership, with reports suggesting she has invested millions in restoring the property.
As part of his 75-year lease, the Duke of York agreed to maintain Royal Lodge | PALady Kane's offer had emerged following Prince Andrew's announcement on October 17 that he would surrender his royal titles, a decision made in consultation with the King and his family members.
The prince stated that ongoing accusations against him were creating a distraction from the Royal Family's duties, leading him to take this additional step beyond his 2019 withdrawal from public engagements.
"I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first," Prince Andrew said in his statement, whilst maintaining his denial of all allegations against him.
The timing of the prince's announcement came days before the scheduled publication of a memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who has accused him of sexual misconduct.
Prince William stands silent as Prince Andrew tries to chat with future King | GETTYLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Prince Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Mrs Giuffre in 2022, which contained no admission of guilt, and he continues to strongly refute all accusations.
Lady Kane, who is notable for being the sole individual in Britain to have transitioned gender three times, maintains that her Highland estate "remains available to serve your Majesty or members of your family if and when needed."
The withdrawal of her invitation marks another chapter in the ongoing difficulties surrounding Prince Andrew's accommodation arrangements following his stepping back from royal duties five years ago.