QUESTION - Did Alexander, 13th Duke of Manchester, refuse to use his title, eschewing the benefits and cache this could provide?

 Quick Answer

The More Detailed Answer to the Above Question 

 

Alex immediately moved in with a girl friend in 1986, after being released from prison, according to this article, Of broken hearts and coronets, published in the Herald by Alan Tate

In the article, the then Viscount of Mandeville admits to having married a woman twenty years older than himself. This directly refutes later statements by Montagu the marriage never took place thoug Marion Stoner was only 12 years older. 

 

Tate, the journalist, states the Viscount is the only source for the information and includes the information he visited Alex for interviews while he was in prison at Pentridge Prison, located in Melbourne, and then later at Morwell River Prison Farm, in the east of Victoria.

Alex asserts he was ignored by his entire family and never nurtured. This stands in stark contrast with statements by his brother Kimble Montagu found in the Declaration made for the High Court of Justice Chancery Division. Kimble reports Alex living with the family but having a difficult time with relationships. 

 

In regard to the Stoner marriage he recalls in No. 21 of his Declaration having learned of the marriage some months after it took place. Alex did not think to invite him. In No. 23 Kimble recalls being arrested because he was mistaken for Alex "before his (Alex's) departure to the US." 

 

Both Kimble and Emily, sister to Alex and Kimble, experienced problems in their relations with their brother, Alex. Alex borrowed money from each of them, never repaying, according to sources in the family. The last item in Kimble's declaration states he never heard from Alex unless he was in trouble. Kimble ends by saying he did the best he could for him. 

 

Alex consistently claims to have been rejected by his family, however, his pattern of behavior, which included constant chaos with his schooling and an inability to sustain productive activities, seem to be at the source of these periodic estrangements.

At no point does Alex express any concern for the well being of anyone in his family, exhibiting a calloused unconcern about all of them or his obligations. There is no documentary indication Montagu ever paid the $41,509 to West Bank, as order by the court.

After his release from prison Alex soon moved on, leaving his welcoming girl friend behind, too. 

 

More Instances of Alex Using His Title

In August of 1987 Alex briefly pops up using his title on a certificate signed by His Royal Highness, Prince Leonard, Defender of the Faith, Sovereign for the Principality of Hutt.  The certificate reads, "Viscount Mandiville, Baron Montagu, Duke of Manchester," naming Alex as an Ambassador at Large to the Principality of Hutt.  See Certificate

On December  31, Thursday an article appears in the Sydney Morning Herald by Anthony Dennis,  A Touch Of Dinky-di Nobility .

"Some, like the youthful Viscount Mandeville, Baron Montagu, Heir to the 13th Earl of Manchester, whose father is Lord Angus Charles Drogo Montagu, has actually abandoned Australia to find recognition elsewhere. After his traumatic imprisonment a few years ago, for fraud when he was 24, he went to live in the United States. He says that he endured a troubled childhood, devoid of love. 

 

I do enjoy the title," said Alexander Montagu (whose mother Mary Montagu was the country's sole resident duchess before she divorced Alexander's father), from his Beverly Hills home. "But in Australia I would have been a 100 per cent better person without it.

"In fact, of all the countries I've been, the United States thinks the title is great. In Australia, the only thing it got me was free admission to nightclubs. That's about it. But really, to me, the title is meaningless. I'm struggling to survive like anyone else, though my mother thinks it's something special." 

 

Baron Montagu claims that a Texan millionaire offered him millions for his title. He refused the overtures. Besides, he's already making enough dough out of endorsements for hotels, beer and after-shaves. The Americans marvel that he should have such a title all, what with his unlordly Australian accent. He claims to be the highest titled Australian - 52nd in line to the throne of England. If some heinous act decimated the other 51 notables, young Alexander could well be the first King with a (disclosed) criminal background. 

 

In the quite comfortable meantime, Baron Montagu can expect, apart from his apparently burgeoning career in the United States, to inherit the wealth from the family's estates in Britain, the US and Kenya, held in a multi-million dollar trust-fund.”

On March 17^th 1988 an article appeared focused entirely on Viscount Alex in a tabloid in the UK. The People's article, titled "MyBarmy Marriage - I Left When He Fired At Me With a Speargun" by Ian Dougall, features a rare inverview with Marion Stoner Montagu, then the Viscountess Mandeville, though Marion, still legally married to Alex but receiving no support from him or the Manchester Trusts, never used her title.

Marion points out Alex needs to divorce her before plans revealed the week before to The People, can go forward.

The article includes parts of an interview with Alex by The People from the previous week. In that interview, and for publication, Alex said, "I'm hoping my father won't be round much longer, so the way will soon be open for me to become the 13^th Duke.” This comment took place in context of his plan to sell the position of duchess for £25 million. Clearly, Alex wants a more profitable title.

Using the title for merchandizing is a commercialization in which most peers would not engage. This is the first mention of selling the title for immediate gain. Again, he publicly claims his family rejected him and he was unloved. Normal people do not generally air the dirty family laundry, but there is no indication from available letters and documents Alex was rejected. He did not bother with his family unless he wanted something, an entirely different matter. 

 

The 8^th of April of 1988 finds Alex in Lost Angeles attending an art auction at the home of Michael Jackson, who was not there at the time. In this article, Estate-of-the-Art Auction at Michael Jackson's Residence, appearing in the Los Angeles Times on this date, writer Marylouise Oates notes Michael Jackson's absence, saying guests are not welcomed into the Jackson home, but do get past the intimidating iron gate. 

 

The benefit was held for South African Council of Churches, the auction at the Hayvenhurst Avenue. 

 

Alex attended with his new friend, Lia Belli, an older woman. Lia will soon be involved in an acrimonious divorce which erupts across the media around the world, taking her relationship with Alex, with it. Later, appearing in print in People Magazine, it is revealed Lia complained Alex pulled a knife on her during the event. 

 

At the same time another article appeared in the Daily News, another paper local to Los Angeles. This article was written by Frank Swertlow, in his column, Hollywood Freeway.

The shortish piece, titled, "There's lots of land down under his limo" begins, "Move over Crocodile Dundee: There's a new Aussie in town – Lord Limo. He's Alexander Charles David Drogo, a.k.a. Viscount Mandiville Baron Montagu, and his motto these days is: Have limo, will travel." 

 

An article, appearing on July 5^th in The Age by Christopher Reed, Lawyer Names Australian 'Viscount' in Marriage Case, naming Alex. The article notes Alex is 'associated' with a limousine service and in 1984, " in a Victorian court, Montagu was convicted of assault with a speargun and drunken and dangerous driving. His sentence was deferred for psychiatric evaluation."

This was followed by another article in the on the 15^th in the Los Angeles Times  Breakup by the Bay: Bellis' Messy Divorce, by Mark A. Stein, a Times Staff Writer. Alex rates a brief mention as a possible romantic interest as the wealthy Bellis fight out their rocky relationship, identified with his title. 

 

On the 18^th People Magazine weighs in, with Summertime, and the Loving Is Anything but Easy for Lionel, Melvin and Stephanie, written by Michael Neill, Angela Blessing, Tina Johnson, Dianna Waggoner, Maria Wilhelm, and Cathy Nolan.

The article, which reports affairs by prominent couples along with retribution by spouses, covers the Bellis, including the charge Alex is Lia's lover, the denial by Lia and Alex, with Alex's having an alibi for the attempt on her life. Marvin Belli appears to be most concerned for the dogs, which were also in the residence when a gunman broke in to shoot Lia. In the article Alex is referred to as, "Alexander Montagu, Viscount Mandeville, the Australian-born son of the 12th Duke of Manchester."

As the Belli menage continues to unravel more articles appear, the Viscount always mentioned by title. Article: Los Angeles Times Special, Milwaukee Sentinel Page 6, Part 1, “Battling Bellis Hard to Ignore” Wednesday, July 20th Belli Marriage Goes Bellicose.

On August 1^st Alex's long time relationship with a former mentor, Thomas Joseph Fabian Erickson escapes notice when Erickson dies in Australia. Obituary At the time of his death Erickson ws due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrate Court for, "commital proceedings on 195 charges of having given secret commissions." He still faced, "more than 230 charges brought by the National Crine Authority and the Victoria Police, including having threatened to damage an aircraft, blackmail, having threatened to kill, and sexual assault against minors."

Alexander Montagu had lived at the Erickson Mansion, according to Alex, who provided this information to this journalist in anticipation of a book, then being researched. Alex stated at the time he lived as a member of the family, and worked for Erickson before, and during, his relationship with Marion Stoner.

On January 13^th 1989 Alex receives a letter titled TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, from a gentleman named Peter Panoff, on behalf of Justin Case Cleaning Service, located at "C/- 126 Young Street, Frankston 3199. The statement reads, "I have known Alexander Mandeville for a period of 2 Years. He now works on a casual basis for my cleaning service being "JUSTIN CASE CLEANING SERVICE" earning on an average 300 pw."

By November  26^th Alex is announcing his engagement and seeking publicity again in the Australian paper, THE AGE. The article, which is a transcript of an interview by the writer, Spy, is titled, -  Lord, Now it's a wedding.

Mandeville claims to be calling from Nairobi, Kenya, to announce his coming wedding to a 20 year old woman named Shannette Millar. Denying his statements in previously published articles, Alex claims to be staying at the Nairobi Club and the short interview ends with, "Will I pass on regards to your dear old Melbourne mum, Mary? “I can't stand the bimbo. I haven't got on with her since day one. My father's as big a whacker as she is. I don't get along with any of them.”

No wedding takes place in 1990 and no articles are published about Alex for the entire year, the next appearing in 1991 on May 11^th, On this day the Australian Post publishes an article by Murray Thompson, titled "Naughty Viscount," though naughty seems to understate the case. The article begins, "A regal outlaw has been convicted in a Brisbane court with fraud after selling a $18,000 car that wasn't his.

Viscount Mandeville, the son of the Duke of Mancheter, was described by police before his arrest as “a highly experienced con-man.”

“He has an inherited title,” the stunned court was told as the ill-at-eased viscount sat in the dock.

He was charged under the name David Charles Kimbolton, and admitted to selling a blue Holden Commodore he didn't own.

“The young man of 29 is also known by a different name – Alexander Charles Mandeville. When he was being chased by police last year, they said he had business cards embossed with a family crest and given his name as Viscount Mandeville, Baron Montagu and Alexander Charles David Drogo Montagu.

Of Manchester making off with an expensive car, then plotting with mate to flog it off up the Sunshine Coast?

That's the scheme Kimbolton admitted in court.”

Apparently, Alex was in Australia for a while. But later this year, on September 21^st, we find him in Canada, charged with illegally entering the country from Hong Kong on June 17^th. The article, published in the Sun Journal, and titled, Diana's Cousin Selling Title also stated, "Immigration officials say he failed to disclose 29 criminal convictions for fraud and assault in Australia."

Alex is again in love, this time with a former stripper, Katie Lynch, 38, who manages his $12-a-night hostel. He also announced he has decided to sell his title. “My title is up for sale,” said Baron Alexander Montagu, 28-year-old son of the Duke of Manchester, “I'd prefer to give it to someone who would use it properly.” He wouldn't name a price but expects something in the millions.”

Alexander Montagu, by the evidence, used his title consistently as an asset which allowed him to obtain privileges he otherwise could never have enjoyed, and worked to make sure those he met had seen. According to his former wife, Wendy Buford Montagu, Manchester keeps a loose-leaf notebook with copies of newspaper clippings and articles about himself, though, truth be told, he does not include the ones reporting his criminal activities.

Wendy Montagu, who was either living with Alexander of married to him, for the years from 1992 – 2006, saw the clippings in the book Alex maintains about his public persona. Manchester showed this to her within days of their having met. Alex introduced himself by handing her a card reading, "Alexander, Viscount Mandeville."

 

Maintaining such a book provides insight on the claim Alex Montagu cared nothing for the title he inherited. In fact, each of these articles illustrate Manchester both used the title as an asset in every way he could.