King Charles: What we know about claims he owns 'seven star hotel' in controversial area of Cyprus

This is a story reported on by two huge UK tabloids: Express and The Sun. Though these two publications usually address more personal issues this time they tackle something very political.

According to them, a property which the King supposedly owns is in the middle of diplomatic and investing issues. The property is a massive hotel complex on the island of Cyprus, more specifically on the north of the island called: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The area holds a very troubled history which now King Charles finds himself tangled with.

The Golden Sands Hotel

After a troubling beginning of the year, King Charles is now caught in something far beyond what royal experts and watchers could have expected.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is claiming King Charles owns the Golden Sands Hotel which sits pretty in the middle of abandoned land currently part of a rebranding.

The hotel was first open in 1974 but closed only a few months later due to political unrest in the area. The conflict led to the island being separated in two with the TRNC only being recognised by Turkey. At the time of the hotel being built and opened, the North of Cyprus was a prestigious holiday vacation destination for people like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, the latter even owns a house there.

However, the conflict between Greece and Turkey forced these famous visitors to abandon their properties and the Greek population moved south. The town of Varosha (Greek) / Maras (Turkish Cypriot) was abandoned and became a restricted area.

Ownership is now a diplomatic issue

This is not the first time the Royal Family is tangled with property ownership abroad however this time is goes far beyond a monarch owning something in a country that’s not theirs.

Indeed, the ownership of the hotel and land in general in this area is a massive issue as plans are put forward to bring it back to its former glory. Express reports that they have ‘seen plans to bring Varosha/ Maras back to life’. However, the tabloid quickly mentions that these will be challenged by the UN as the island continues to be split. Hence, why they allege that King Charles will be caught in the row.

Express further explains that the stakes are high on this project as ‘a consortium of billionaire businesspeople from across the globe’ are involved and believe Varosha/Maras to be the future hit destination.

King Charles’ involvement

The Palace has always denied the King’s ownership of the Golden Sands Hotel but the monarch and the UK's possible involvement doesn’t seem to stop there. Indeed the TRNC allege that the hotel is not accessible and being protected preventing people without authorisation to enter.

Moreover, according to Express who seems to be investigating the matter, questions are now being raised about the possible use of the building by the UK government and security forces. Indeed, Cyprus enjoys a proximity to the Middle East. It should be noted that the Military of Defence has shut down those questions when pressed.

The President of Cyprus has ordered a 'full investigation' into the plans to renovate the former idyllic vacation destination. Indeed, as Cyprus is part of the Commonwealth diplomats in London have been urged to investigate the matter.

Moreover, Express reports that the UN Secretary General would be visiting the island in order to get talks going between the two separate parts of the island.

There are a lot of dark areas in this story firstly because of the complicated history the place holds.

Moreover, though Express reports on the matter, they do not explain how King Charles could have become the owner of what was once described as the ‘first seven-star hotel’.

Read more:

⋙ King Charles' role as Head of State could be in jeopardy in this country, here's why

⋙ Will King Charles stop this extreme royal tradition that has a worrying impact on UK's history?

⋙ King Charles is breaking late Queen Elizabeth II's tradition for second year in a row

Sources:

Express: Plans to turn seaside ghost town into 'Vegas of the Med' could drag King Charles into row

The Sun: Inside ghost town with 7-star hotel ‘owned by King Charles’ left to rot in once idyllic resort turned no-man’s-land