Revealed: French socialite suing Andrew and Fergie for millions over Swiss chalet
THE millionaire suing the Duke and Duchess of York over claims they missed payments on their luxury chalet is a French socialite who was once a close friend, it can be revealed.
Isabelle de Rouvre, who is dating French art dealer Michael Kennedy, is pursuing the couple through the courts for £6.7million (€7.5million).
The 74-year-old became friends with the Yorks when they repeatedly rented her chalet in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier. Aware of their fondness for the sevenbedroom lodge, she decided to sell it to them for about £18million in 2014, rather than put it on the market with an agent.
But Ms de Rouvre now claims they missed a deadline on December 31 by which another chunk of the outstanding money was supposed to be paid.
Last night, the socialite confirmed she is taking action against the couple. ‘I am now charged with a lawyer,’ she told the Mail. ‘They have a lawyer and I have mine too. What you read in the newspapers is really the reality of the case.’
A source close to Ms de Rouvre said her court action has ‘severely tarnished’ her friendship with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, both now 60.
‘Isabelle always loved having the Yorks to stay in their chalet and was particularly fond of their two children,’ the source said.
‘So she was thrilled the chalet, which has given her so many happy memories, was being bought by friends. Sadly this dispute has ruined everything. Isabelle is deeply upset that it has come to this.’
Ms de Rouvre was previously married to French businessman Cyril Bourlon de Rouvre. They are thought to have bought Chalet
Helora during their marriage and enjoyed skiing holidays there with their children.
After their divorce, Ms de Rouvre became the sole owner of the property. She employed six staff and rented it out for over £22,000 a week. Said to be decorated with chic antiques, the master bedroom is draped in animal furs, and there is a 650 sq ft indoor swimming pool, sauna, sun terrace, boot-room, bar and entertaining area.
Last night, a spokesman for the duke said: ‘This a private matter and the subject of legal dispute in which both parties are subject to a confidentiality agreement.’