Harriet James, a former member of the country band Pearl, TN, has alleged that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor asked her an astonishingly personal question during a dinner more than two decades ago. In her new memoir, What Harriet Did, which has reportedly emerged online, James claims she was seated opposite the then-45-year-old former Duke of York when he opened the conversation with: 'How many people have you slept with?'
The Dinner Incident
James, who was 33 at the time, attended the dinner near York with her husband, ex-racehorse trainer Ed James, and friends. Royal Ascot was staged at York Racecourse that year while its traditional venue underwent a £185 million refurbishment. Andrew was reportedly staying with the couple's friends, and guests were instructed to dress in black tie in honour of his royal status.
According to James, Andrew arrived wearing 'jeans and a thick weave grey cardigan.' She was positioned opposite him at a thin table, making them quite close. When he posed the question, she replied: 'You can't ask me that! How many people have you slept with?' Andrew, apparently taken aback, let out what was described as a 'pompous' gasp and stated: 'You certainly can't ask me that!'
Reaction and Context
The Mail's Richard Eden called the behaviour 'Olympian-level crudeness.' James writes: 'We were told we had to have dinner with Andrew. He was staying with friends of ours and we were instructed to dress in black tie, in honour of him being royal and all that.'
This revelation follows reports that Andrew was shown 'sympathy' by two members of the Royal Family last month during a rare public appearance at the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials. He was observed near Marsh Farm on King Charles' Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English noted on the Palace Confidential podcast that he was 'trying to keep a low profile.' She said: 'He suddenly popped up at the Sandringham horse trials where the Duchess of Edinburgh was competing in carriage driving. The Duke of Edinburgh was there and he [Andrew] was seen in his cart, sunglasses on, trying to keep a low profile, but he was spotted, stayed for a little bit and then went off.'
Richard 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.
