Put Not Your Trust In Princes

Do you fancy being a Lord?

Would you like to join a prestigious order of chivalry at an affordable price?

How would an ancient coat of arms look on your wall?

One of the curiosities of the Internet is the range of claims that may be found on it.  All sorts of individuals and organisations who in the past would would been restricted to their own small circles can now broadcast to the world, offering all of the above - and more.

Unsurprisingly, there is much fiction and wishful thinking out there to trap the unwary, and part them from their cash.  I recently came across some excellent advice: that "frauds be fought with publicity".

Let's start by looking at one pretend nobleman: Prince Andre de Guise.

In addition to his own websites, proclaiming his ancient lineage from the House of Lorraine, the Order he has resurrected ("the White Greyhound") and his coy sideline of selling "noble titles", the former Andrew Hunter has had the good fortune to be endorsed and promoted by one of the best-known names in the business.  But do his claims stand up to scrutiny?

Some modest research will answer this question.  The links at the top right will take you, firstly, to the impressive genealogy published by his friends at Baronage Press.  Then you can review each of the original documents which prove "the Prince" actually descends from a French tailor, via a New Zealand dairy-farmer and blacksmith who apparently had a good imagination.  This proof has been offered to "the Prince" and his supporters, but none of their claims has been withdrawn in the face of it.  What can we conclude from this?

Take a look, and judge for yourself whether he really is the Prince of Guise, Harcourt and Ganzaria - or whether he is something else...

   Michael Andrews-Reading

NB All work and opinions included here are solely my own.  Any reference to or presentation of other items is solely for the purpose of legitimate discussion.  I will incorporate any changes or remove any factually incorrect material if reasonable evidence is proffered.  Please contact me at mjcar@NOSPAMbtinternet.com  (remove NOSPAM to email me).