Simon Bowes-Lyon is facing jail time following a guilty plea on sexual assault charges. Bowes-Lyon, the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, entered his guilty plea in court on Tuesday.
The charges stem from a February 2020 incident in which Bowes-Lyon, 34, assaulted a 26-year-old woman during an event at Glamis Castle in Scotland. According to the BBC, he "repeatedly attacked" the victim and "tried to pull off her nightdress" during an assault that lasted 20 minutes.
Simon Bowes-Lyon, cousin of the Queen, facing jail time
Reports say Bowes-Lyon's sentencing has been deferred and that he could face up to five years in jail for the jarring crime. The BBC noted a statement made by the Earl of Strathmore outside the courthouse, in which he said: "Clearly I had drunk to excess on the night of the incident. I should have known better. I recognise, in any event, that alcohol is no excuse for my behaviour."
Bowes-Lyon added, "My apologies go, above all, to the woman concerned, but I would also like to apologise to family, friends and colleagues for the distress I have caused them." The crime occurred at Glamis Castle, a home that's been in the Lyon family since the 14th century. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was raised there and Princess Margaret was also born on the property.
He's showing off his bilingual skills!
Prince Charles Speaks About Environmental Initiative In French
Queen Elizabeth's cousin pleads guilty to sexual assault
Bowes-Lyon is a first cousin twice removed of Queen Elizabeth II. They are related through The Queen Mother, whose brother, Michael Claude Hamilton Bowes-Lyon, was the great-grandfather of Simon Bowes-Lyon.
Bowes-Lyon has been granted bail and placed on the Violent and Sex Offender Register, while his sentencing was deferred on Tuesday. The Bowes-Lyon family was also recently in the news for another unfortunate occurrence, as Lady Mary Colman (née Bowes-Lyon), also a cousin of the Queen, passed away early this month.
Maskless meltdown...
Did you know?
We Just Can't Wait For Her To Be Queen
