Harriet James, a former member of the country band Pearl, TN, has alleged that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor asked her an astonishing personal question during a formal dinner more than 20 years ago. The claim appears in her new memoir, What Harriet Did, which has recently surfaced online.
The Alleged Incident
According to James, the incident occurred when she was 33 and Andrew was 45. She attended a dinner near York alongside her husband, ex-racehorse trainer Ed James, and friends. The dinner was held while Royal Ascot took place at York Racecourse, as its traditional venue underwent a £185 million refurbishment.
Harriet writes that they were instructed to dress in black tie in honor of Andrew's royal status. However, she claims Andrew arrived wearing 'jeans and a thick weave grey cardigan.' She was seated opposite him at a narrow table.
She recounts: 'His opening conversation to me went as follows: "How many people have you slept with?"' Harriet replied: 'You can't ask me that! How many people have you slept with?' Andrew reportedly gasped in a 'pompous' manner and declared: 'You certainly can't ask me that!'
Context of the Allegation
Richard Eden of the Mail described the alleged behavior as 'Olympian-level crudeness.' The memoir's release follows reports that Andrew received sympathy from two members of the Royal Family during a rare public appearance at the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials last month. He was spotted near Marsh Farm on King Charles' Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's royal editor, noted on the Palace Confidential podcast that Andrew was 'trying to keep a low profile.' She observed: 'He suddenly popped up at the Sandringham horse trials... sunglasses on, trying to keep a low profile, but he was spotted, stayed for a little bit and then went off.'
Eden added: 'This is his family. This is his brother and his sister-in-law showing sympathy and solidarity for him.'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been approached for comment.
