Catherine Ommanney, a former romantic interest of Prince Harry, has vehemently denied allegations that she left a hotel in Majorca without settling her bill, attributing the incident to a technical error on the part of the hotel.
Arrest and Allegations in Santa Ponsa
The 53-year-old interior designer was arrested on suspicion of fraud after management at the three-star Playas del Rey Hotel in Santa Ponsa accused her of failing to pay a bill totalling nearly £450 (€500). Ms Ommanney had stayed at the hotel for nine days, and investigators stated she provided a credit card with insufficient funds.
She was photographed with a Civil Guard officer on Sunday evening, leaving a court cell to attend a closed-door hearing in Palma. It is understood she appeared in court under a surname from a previous marriage.
'The Bill Was Paid' - Ommanney's Firm Rebuttal
Ms Ommanney has labelled the accusations "bulls***" and insists the matter was a simple clerical mistake. "The bill was paid. I have proof the bill was paid in full," she told the Majorca Daily Bulletin. "It was a technical error on the hotel’s behalf and I will be seeking an apology through the justice system."
She described the day of her arrest as a "nightmare", stating the bill was settled via bank transfer as the hotel does not accept credit cards. "Sunday was the worst day of my life. I certainly did not like being kept in a holiday cell," she added.
Release and Ongoing Investigation
Following the hearing, Catherine Ommanney was released on bail pending further investigation. It was not immediately clear if she testified in court to explain her version of events.
Her lawyer, when approached for comment, stated she had not read the press reports about the arrest and would not comment without her client's authorisation. A receptionist at the Playas del Rey Hotel also said no one was available to speak to the press.
Ms Ommanney is best known as one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of DC. She previously told The Sun newspaper she had a brief fling with Prince Harry in 2006, when she was 34 and he was 21. The Duke of Sussex has never publicly commented on the alleged relationship.
