The fact he travels to support lesser-known charities reflects they are small groups in most need of help

Nicholas Chance

The trips, paid for by trade groups, companies and charities, are said to have caused unease among courtiers at Buckingham Palace who fear the monarchy's reputation could be affected.

But Prince Michael's private secretary has defended his work.

'Not junkets'

Nicholas Chance said: "I know exactly why each of these trips has been undertaken and I'm very proud of the work he does.

"Any criticism of it is not merited. They are not junkets. Not one of these trips has been at his instigation.

"The fact he travels to support lesser-known charities reflects they are small groups in most need of help."

Prince Michael gave up his right of succession to the throne when he married Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnitz - now Princess Michael - in 1978, because she was a catholic.

Over the years the couple have gained a reputation for "free-loading" and following this latest episode the Prince was dubbed "Rent-a-Kent".

The revelations follow last week's intense media scrutiny of Sophie Wessex, who was forced to step down from her role as chairman of public relations company R-JH.

Mori poll

The countess made unguarded comments about the prime minister and senior royals to an undercover journalist who was posing as an Arab Sheikh.

But despite fears that popularity for the monarchy is waning, a Mori poll published this week, revealed that 70% of Britons wanted to keep the Royal Family.

The poll showed that two-thirds of people would support a register of royal interests, making their business connections and investments public.

And almost two-thirds said the monarchy should be modernised.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: "Prince Michael carries out no official royal duties and therefore is not paid from the civil list or by the Queen.

"Therefore he pursues a working career.

"His journeys overseas, in terms of his business career, are a matter for him or other companies as appropriate."