Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former personal assistant has been honoured in Tuesday’s investitures ceremony after agreeing to speak to police about her ex-employer.
Dame Charlotte Manley, 68, was Andrew’s Private Secretary and Treasurer from 2001 to 2003, holding the assistant position from 1996.
On Tuesday, she was made a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) by King Charles at Windsor Castle, having been listed on the monarch’s New Year’s Honours List for 2026. Dame Commander is the second-highest rank in the Royal Victorian Order and gives the right to use the title of “Dame”.
When Andrew was made special trade envoy to the UK in 2011, Dame Charlotte travelled abroad with him and was often listed on the Court Circular for trips, including New York, Bulgaria, Brazil, Peru and Canada.
Earlier this month, she informed The Times she would speak to police about her time spent working under the disgraced former prince.
Why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may actually move into Marsh Farm ahead of scheduled Easter date
Regarding accusations against her former employer and an alleged payment she had made on his behalf, she told the newspaper: “I would rather talk to the police than the press, not that I would have much to tell them.”
Others receiving honours on Tuesday include actress Carey Mulligan and former Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
Life in the royal family
Before joining the royal family, Dame Charlotte served as an officer in the Royal Navy between 1976 and 1996. After her time serving Andrew, Charlotte held other positions for the royal family, including becoming the chapter clerk of St George’s Chapel in Windsor, which she retired from last year.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been stripped of his royal titles and honours
She was previously appointed an OBE in 1996 and was made Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2018. The CVO is awarded by the monarch to recognise personal service to the royal family.
Charlotte Manley was also part of the party to welcome President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Windsor for a state visit in 2025.
The investigation into Andrew
Andrew is currently under police investigation for allegedly leaking secrets to his billionaire friend, sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, during his time as trade envoy.
© Getty ImagesCharlotte Manley welcomed President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump last year
Over the weekend, he was spotted inspecting his horses in Sandringham as he prepares to move into his permanent home on the Norfolk estate, Marsh Farm. Preparations have included moving a white mobile home into the grounds, reportedly intended for his staff.
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February and was held in custody for 11 hours. He was later released under investigation and has not been charged.
Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, Surrey, Thames Valley, Norfolk and Bedfordshire police forces are all understood to have been assessing the three million documents released in the Epstein files in January. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.