Princess Michael of Kent, often referred to as Princess ‘Pushy’, has been a prominent figure in the British Royal Family with a history of sparking controversies.
Her alleged controversial views have consistently made headlines, causing discomfort and outrage.
One of the latest instances is what is now known as ‘bun-gate’, where Princess Michael refused to take a bite of a Chelsea bun at the World Chelsea Bun Awards.
The incident occurred as she substituted for her daughter-in-law, Lady Sophie Winkleman, in the judging process.
She expressed her reluctance to taste the bun, stating that she had not been informed about this requirement by her daughter-in-law.
Instead, she chose to evaluate the buns solely by their appearance, making remarks on their visual appeal and noting the hearty appetite of the other judges.
Princess Michael’s controversial remarks and actions have been a recurring theme throughout her time in the Royal Family.
She is known for asserting that she has more royal blood than any other individual who married into the family since Prince Philip.
Her entry into the British Royal Family occurred through her marriage to Prince Michael of Kent in 1978.
Her demeanor has led her to be called ‘a bit too grand’ by none other than the late Queen herself.
One of the most significant controversies arose in 2004 when she allegedly told black diners in a New York restaurant to ‘go back to the colonies’, which resulted in accusations of racism.
She denied making such a statement and claimed she had said they ‘should remember the colonies’ instead.
In 2017, Princess Michael faced backlash for wearing a ‘racist’ ‘blackamoor’ brooch when meeting Meghan Markle at the Queen’s Christmas lunch.
The brooch depicted figures with black skin, a motif that carries historical connotations.
She expressed remorse for wearing the brooch and clarified that it had been a gift worn on numerous occasions before without any previous controversy.
Her controversies have extended to internal matters within the royal family as well.
In a 2005 encounter with the ‘Fake Sheikh’, a News of the World investigations editor, she criticized the late Princess Diana, referring to her as ‘bitter’ and ‘nasty’, while also accusing Prince Charles of jealousy regarding Diana’s popularity.
Through the years, Princess Michael has not shied away from sharing her opinions on the royal family.
In a 2014 interview with disgraced media tycoon Conrad Black on Canadian TV, she labeled the royal family as ‘boring’.
Furthermore, she made remarks about Diana’s upbringing and education, suggesting that her lack of a stern and strict mother affected her ability to cope with fame and adoration.
In the 1980s, she expressed her belief that ‘the English distrust foreigners’, highlighting her perspective on the British attitude toward non-natives.
Princess Michael’s nickname of ‘Pushy’ evolved to ‘Cushy’ in 2013 when she complained about having to pay rent for her residence at Kensington Palace.
Her rent increased significantly as part of a broader restructuring of grace-and-favour residences. Her controversies even extended to discussions about Princess Diana, as she claimed to know ‘the real story’ following Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
Overall, Princess Michael’s history is rife with statements and actions that have drawn both criticism and attention, contributing to her reputation as a controversial figure within the Royal Family.