Thaindian News

London, Jan 1 (ANI): One of the Queen’s most trusted aides has resigned from his post as Crown Equerry amid allegations of a Buckingham Palace sex scandal.

Major Simon Robinson, 44, lost his coveted ‘job for life’ amid rumours of an extra-marital affair, which he continues to deny furiously, and his wife has walked out on him with their two children and started divorce proceedings.

In a move, which prompted claims of a cover-up, the major was handed a new role in the office, which is drawing up plans for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Daily Mail reported.

But he will not be around for the April 29 ceremony because he will leave the Royal Household in March, leading to suspicions that he was hurriedly found the post to help keep him solvent until he finds a new job.

Major Robinson was in charge of the Queen’s 34 treasured horses as well as the carriages, coaches and Rolls-Royces used at state ceremonies including Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament.

Allegations of misbehaviour first surfaced in 2009, although Major Robinson flatly denies any infidelity and says nothing improper has taken place.

In July that year he was allegedly offered a pay-off equivalent to a year’s salary of between 60,000 pounds and 80,000 pounds, and told to depart by December 31.

But the Queen, who was kept closely informed about the matter, is understood to have intervened.

The major was temporarily allowed to keep his grand house just inside the gates of the Royal Mews, where he paid a subsidised rent, and continued to work while challenging the decision.

His responsibilities were gradually reduced but it was not until October 2010 that he left his job, moving to the post of Assistant Comptroller in the Lord Chamberlain’s Office.

It was in late October that Major Robinson announced his resignation to his 38 staff at the Royal Mews after signing a ‘compromise agreement’ with a strict confidentiality clause. (ANI)