Royal News Princess Michael of Kent has reportedly been caught with Russian millionaire.

24-04-2006 14:15

Britain's Princess Michael of Kent has reportedly been caught enjoying a romantic break with a Russian millionaire.

The 61-year-old booked into a £2,200-a-night suite at Venice's plush Cipriani Hotel with furniture tycoon Mikhail Kravchenko, according to Britain's News of the World newspaper.

According to reports, the princess - the wife of Prince Michael of Kent, Queen Elizabeth's cousin - stayed in a lavish apartment and also booked a second bedroom next door.

The pair have been enjoying late-night walks and dinners in the romantic city - and Kravchenko was even spotted kissing the royal, who has been dubbed 'Princess Pushy' for her arrogant antics.

A British holidaymaker who saw the couple is quoted in Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper as saying: "She seemed to be having the time of her life. They giggled together like young lovers and didn't seem to care who saw them."

The royal has denied having an affair and insists the pair became good friends after meeting in Moscow last year.

Her spokesman was quoted in the News of the World as saying: "She became aware his life has been struck by family tragedy five years ago and has been seeking to be supportive. It's not an affair."

Kravchenko was quoted as saying: "I have a very respectful and nice relationship with the princess, a very pure relationship."

The businessman, who insisted he paid all his own bills in Venice and claimed the kiss was "affection" between business partners, said the pair met to talk about "cultural issues".