Former Royal Secretary Receives Honour Following Police Cooperation Agreement
Charlotte Manley, the former private secretary to Prince Andrew, has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III. This prestigious honour comes shortly after the 68-year-old confirmed her willingness to cooperate with police investigators examining her time serving the former royal.
Decades of Service to the Royal Family
Dame Manley served as Prince Andrew's private secretary and treasurer for two years following his appointment as the UK's special representative for trade and investment in 2001. Prior to this role, she spent five years as his personal assistant, accompanying him on numerous international business trips to destinations including New York, Bulgaria, Brazil, Peru, and Canada.
The honour was formally conferred during a ceremony at Windsor Castle, where Dame Manley was included in the King's New Year's Honours List for 2026. The Royal Victorian Order, established by Queen Victoria in 1896, traditionally recognises personal service to the monarch and senior members of the royal household.
Police Investigation and Previous Controversies
Earlier this month, Dame Manley stated she would prefer to speak with police rather than journalists regarding her time working for Prince Andrew, who is currently under investigation for misconduct in a public office. 'I would rather talk to the police than the press,' she told reporters at her Wiltshire residence. 'Not that I would have much to tell them.'
Prince Andrew was arrested by Thames Valley Police officers on his 66th birthday, February 19th, and subsequently released pending further investigation. The former Duke of York faces allegations of passing sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Historical records reveal that Dame Manley previously authorised a £75 cheque in June 2000 to pay a South African masseuse, Monique Giannelloni, for attending Andrew's rooms in Buckingham Palace. The appointment was arranged by Epstein's then-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who reportedly promised to introduce the masseuse to 'someone more famous than God.'
Ms Giannelloni later described the encounter to the Daily Mail in 2019, recalling that Andrew appeared in a robe before returning from the bathroom nude, which she found embarrassing. She maintained, however, that he otherwise behaved in a 'very nice and gentlemanly' manner during their meeting.
Distinguished Career and Additional Honours
Before joining the royal household, Dame Manley served as an officer in the Royal Navy from 1976 to 1996. Following her tenure with Prince Andrew, she held several other royal positions, including chapter clerk of St George's Chapel in Windsor. She also played a role in welcoming President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during their state visit to Windsor last year.
This latest honour adds to her previous recognitions: she received an OBE in 1996 and was made Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2018. The ceremony at Windsor Castle also honoured actress Carey Mulligan and former Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
Ongoing Developments in the Andrew Saga
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew was recently observed inspecting horses near his Norfolk residence, despite reports that aides had advised him to discontinue horse riding due to potential negative public perception. Before relocating to Sandringham several weeks ago, he was frequently seen riding around Windsor.
King Charles III ultimately removed his brother from Royal Lodge shortly after Andrew was photographed smiling and waving to the public, amid ongoing controversy regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Insiders suggested these public appearances may have been the 'final straw' in what has been a tumultuous period for the former royal.
Next month, Andrew is scheduled to move into Marsh Lodge, a five-bedroom property shielded from public view by a six-foot fence, marking another chapter in his gradual withdrawal from public royal life.
