Royal Watch News

Camilla branded 'mistress' by socialite

May 19, 2009, 11:15 GMT

Britain's Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, was called a "mistress" by a member of New York society.

Brooke Astor - part of the Astor family, who own a legendary property business - allegedly made the comments in 1999, when Prince Charles brought Camilla to a lunch to introduce her to important people in New York.

During the meal, Astor reportedly said to Camilla: "Your grandmother would be proud of you. You're keeping this mistress business in the family."

At the time, the prince and Camilla - who married in 2005 - had only just started being seen in public together.

It is believed Astor was referring to Camilla's great-grandmother Alice Keppell, who was one of King Edward VII's mistresses.

The comments were revealed during a court case in New York on Monday (18.05.09).

Astor's son Anthony Marshall is accused of stealing his mother's money before she died two years ago, aged 105. The prosecution is attempting to prove Astor's mental state was declining.

Camilla is not the only person Astor is said to have spoken harshly to.

She was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 and reportedly complained the then-US President Bill Clinton flirted with her when she met him.

Movie producer John Hart, who was with Astor when she was given the medal, claimed Astor said Clinton had rubbed her back.

John told the court: "She thought Clinton was a ladies' man, and she didn't mind."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in America and is given to those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours."