According to Richard Eden, Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken former Top Gear host, has employed a strategic maneuver to sidestep potential conflicts related to his newly acquired pub in Oxfordshire.
Clarkson, who has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with local officials over his Diddly Squat Farm, has cleverly chosen to keep his name off the pub's license application. Instead, he enlisted a prominent figure from Prince Harry's circle to handle the process. The pub in question, previously known as The Windmill Ale House, was purchased by Clarkson for a million pounds and is undergoing significant renovations by Clarkson's team of builders. The pub is expected to open its doors sometime next year.
To navigate the licensing process without drawing undue attention, Clarkson transferred the alcohol license to BBAB Operations Limited. This company is led by Johnny Hornby, a well-known advertising executive and former chairman of Prince Harry's African charity, Sentebale. Hornby's business partner, Mark Dyer, is also involved in the application process. Their involvement has ensured that the pub, which was struggling before Clarkson's acquisition, will be able to serve alcohol once renovations are complete. This approach allows Clarkson to distance himself from the licensing issues and potentially avoid further complications with local authorities.
Clarkson's relationship with local officials has been fraught with tension, particularly regarding parking issues at his Diddly Squat Farm Shop. The former Top Gear host has clashed with West Oxfordshire District Council over various matters, exacerbating his public profile and complicating his dealings with the local government. The move to involve Hornby is not entirely surprising, given Clarkson's previous collaborations with him. Hornby served as a trustee of Sentebale for 11 years, including five as chairman, before stepping down last summer.
Despite Clarkson's recent controversies, including a 2022 article in The Sun where he expressed intense disdain for Meghan Markle, Hornby's involvement highlights a continuing professional relationship between the two men. In the controversial Sun column, Clarkson expressed a deep-seated animosity towards Markle, describing his feelings towards her on a cellular level. His inflammatory comments included a disturbing suggestion that Markle be paraded naked through the streets, which sparked widespread outrage and numerous complaints. Although Clarkson later issued an apology, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex criticized his track record of spreading hate and misogyny.
Despite the backlash, Clarkson continues his association with figures connected to the royal family. Notably, Hugh van Cutsem, a longtime friend of Prince Harry, appeared on Clarkson's show, Clarkson's Farm. Van Cutsem, whose late father was a close friend of King Charles, is also a significant figure within royal circles. He was involved in major royal events, including his role as an usher at Prince William's wedding and his daughter Grace's memorable appearance at the same event. The relationship between the Sussexes and the van Cutsems appears to have deteriorated following the Sussexes' departure from the royal family. Rose van Cutsem's social media comments mocking the Sussexes' announcement of their departure from royal duties further strained relations. In her post, she humorously suggested stepping back from a tax return to focus on personal interests, a comment that was later downplayed when she declined to discuss it further.
In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry recounted the fallout from his interview with Oprah Winfrey, revealing that members of his social circle, including the van Cutsems, expressed their disapproval of his revelations about his family. This public and private discord highlights the complex dynamics and strained relationships within the royal orbit and their extended circles.
