Laura published some more photos on her Flickr page and we know everyone will be interested in how Wendy views these new revelations.
"If he had stayed life would have been so much better for me!"
Yes, Alexander,
13th Duke of Manchester should have kept the job at the
Beaufort Hotel in Darwin. This would have saved Wendy enormous
anguish and hundreds of thousands of dollars Alex stole from her
during their marriage, which, of course, Alex lied to her about.
An article was also posted there, the text of which is replicated below. Incidentally, the writer, Ashley Manicaros, is still active in Darwin.
Viscount
Mandeville Baron Montagu Alexander Charles David Drogo Montagu is in
Darwin trying to “sort out his head.”
He is
mixing cocktails and joking with guests at the Beaufort Hotel
swimming pool.
Viscount
Montagu – or Alexander Mandeville to his mates – is the first son
of Lord Angus and Lady Mary Montagu.
His
father was a powerful figure in the British Conservative Party before
moving to Australia.
His mother
was formerly plain Mary McLure, the one time social writer with the
Melbourne Truth and an ABC typist.
Alexander
Montagu will one day be the 13th Duke of Manchester.
He is also
first cousin to Diana, Princess of Wales.
But his
royal roots have not discouraged 18-year-old Viscount Montagu from
leading a chequered life.
The Aussie
aristocrat:
- Admits leading a “fantasy life” when he was younger – but now wishes he was just an “ordinary Joe.”
- Admits offering to marry any American woman wanting a title. Cost: $12 million.
- Denies having an affair with American socialite Lia Belli, wife of Melvin Belli, lawyer to the rich and famous.
- The Viscount has come to the Top End for simple reasons.
“ A
friend suggested I come to Darwin to relax and get my life back
together,” he said.
Viscount
Montagu is also trying to forget a broken engagement to a Noosa Heads
hairdresser.
“She
couldn't understand my way of life,” he said.
But
Viscount Montagu has more than just the after effects of an broken
love affair to sort out.
He denies a
substantial monthly allowance from his rich father has been
discontinued.
He said he
now has the job of convincing the executors of his royal trust
account that he is worthy of the money.
This
setback has forced him to work.
But the
Viscount is not keen on talking about his job.
“I am
only staying a few months and then I am returning to America.”
“What I
would like to do while I am in Darwin is organize a few charity
events.”
Viscount
Montagu said he helped with several big charity events in America,
which involved names like Marlon Brando, Whoopie Goldberg and Michael
Jackson.
“The
functions I put together were pretty good and big,” he said.
“I think
I can help out some of the...;."
Let's all imagine Alex as a barman in Las Vegas, or better yet, in Darwin once again.
Which is not to say Laura could not accompany him so the two love birds could work together, sharing this exciting adventure.
Comment by
Laura, Duchess of Manchester -
"This
article was done in 1990. Strange how people really thought any title
could be sold. It's only a land title that can be sold and even then
it's just that, Another family's name. But people offered back then."
Alex's
attempts to sell the position of Duchess, effectively selling the
name.
March 17, 1988 - The People, tabloid in the UK -
Article: MyBarmy Marriage - I Left When He Fired At Me With a Speargun by Ian
Article: MyBarmy Marriage - I Left When He Fired At Me With a Speargun by Ian
Dougall - Montagu offers to sell title of Duchess, among other outrageous statements.
1991 - September
21 - SUN JOURNAL, (AP) Diana's Cousin Selling Title
21 - SUN JOURNAL, (AP) Diana's Cousin Selling Title
“Since arriving in this port city, a cousin of Britain's Princess Diana has been arrested,
fallen for a former stripper who manages his $12 a night hostel, and decided to sell his
title.”(see article)
