Prince Michael of Kent, who has been approached to become chairman of the Russian stock exchange’s new advisory board, has strong ties with the country. He was named after the last Tsar, Michael Alexandrovich, and is noted for his physical resemblance to Tsar Nicholas II. A fluent Russan speaker, he holds an honorary doctorate from Moscow’s Plekhanov Economics Academy and is patron of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce.
The approach from the Russian Trading System (RTS) comes as the exchange is seeking to raise its international profile. Numerous Russian companies are formulating plans to float in London, but RTS is said to be attempting to lure those that cannot meet the stiff transparency rules.
Born on July 4, 1942, the Eton-educated former Army officer carries out many royal and charitable duties and, since he does not receive an income from such work, has the Queen’s permission to earn his living from commercial enterprise. He married Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnitz in 1978. The couple have two children. He manages his own business consultancy, Cantium Services.