

Educated internationally and at British boarding schools, 26 year-old Ben read Modern History at the University of St. Andrews (Prince William's alma mater), finally coming down in September 2003. While history and politics remain particular interests, his passions extend much further, also encompassing music, the fine arts, architecture, theatre, film, fashion, and the countryside. A latter-day Renaissance man, Ben puts this down partially to being the son of a British father and Swiss mother (Austrian and Italian ancestry); precisely the same combination making up Ian Fleming's super-spy, James Bond. Any plans to follow in Bond's footsteps, then? "So much more fun to play a baddie", was his considered reply.
Now based mainly in London, Ben's varied career has included a stint at renowned auction house Christie's (where he indulged his interest in the decorative arts), time as a night club host in various haunts of Soho, as well as his other incarnation as an aspiring Impresario promoting jazz and cabaret acts from around the world. More recently, his career has turned to writing and broadcasting, contributing regularly to national publications including The Daily Telegraph, Mail on Sunday, and political journals of various sorts. His long-standing interest in the Middle East (beginning with a childhood fascination for Lawrence of Arabia) has led to him being much in demand as a social and political commentator with television channels focusing on that part of the world. Equally, work as a society columnist has provided him with the ideal platform to observe at close quarters the wonders and absurdities of British national life, from the Royals downwards. An unapologetic lover of life, Ben puts down his suitability as a 'beau' to a fascination of the extremes of both high and low-life. "Almost all can be forgiven so long as someone is interesting" is a motto he stands by. Heroes include Lord Byron, former Prime Ministers Benjamin Disraeli and David Lloyd George, Muriel Spark's Miss Jean Brodie, and Welsh Diva Dame Shirley Bassey.
On his requirements for a princess, Ben suggests, "One would expect a princess to have the three Ds," explains Ben, "that's Decency, Dignity and Decorum. My Dad says good manners cost nothing. It's not a breeding thing, it's a learning thing. If I can help these girls learn, then that's great."