Castle owner defends inviting Prince Andrew to live at Highland property

A Sutherland castle owner is defending her move to invite Prince Andrew to live at her Highland property.

Barrister Samantha Kane, also known as Lady Carbisdale, extended the invitation to Andrew amid reports King Charles is trying to persuade his brother to move to the Castle of Mey.

Revelations in the posthumous memoir of Andrew's sex accuser Virginia Giuffre have placed increasing pressure on him, who announced last week he would stop using his Duke of York title.

Calls have intensified for Andrew to give up his 30-room Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park after it emerged he paid a "peppercorn rent" for more than 20 years.

The prince vehemently denies the allegations Ms Giuffre was forced to have sex with him three times after she was trafficked by convicted paedophile financier Jeffery Epstein.

In 2022 Prince Andrew settled a civil case brought against him in the US, paying a financial settlement to Ms Giuffre.

Response to invitation

Lady Carbisdale first posted the inivitation to Prince Andrew on social media yesterday.

She said: "In response to the King sending Prince Andrew into exile in the Highlands, I am happy to make Carbisdale Castle available to Prince Andrew, as it is more fit to receive a Prince than, with the greatest of respect, The Castle of Mey.

"I believe the Prince, like anyone else, must not be judged by public opinion without a proper hearing which he was not given."

Facebook users took to the comments to express their thoughts.

One said: "No no no. What a terrible way to advertise the castle."

Another commented: "You have got to be having a laugh surely?!"

A third stated: "I support a lot of your views, however I cannot agree with this statement! Just no."

However, there were some positive comments.

One said: "Highland Hospitality is well renowned (as you know) Lady Carbisdale and being the perfect host, you can open your doors to whom you wish."

In an interview with our news team, Samantha stood by her decision.

She added: "I felt that he had been harshly judged.

"You find people are quick to judge somebody just based on opinions and third party information rather than hard facts. 

"I have the greatest respect for all my followers and friends, but none of them have hard facts about the prince. 

"Prince Andrew made some not very wise choices in his life, but so do the rest of us. 

"Everybody has made some bad choices, it doesn't mean they get punished forever."