He was then appointed to the board of the St George’s House Trust in 2016.

A former board member told The Times: "There was unhappiness about the fact that this man was being imposed upon the board by [then-Prince] Andrew, and there was the feeling that we shouldn’t accept him.

"Several members of the board objected to Stern’s candidacy but it was pushed through because Prince Andrew wanted him there."

Founded by Prince Philip, the board today has many prestigious figures involved including Princess Anne and the Dean of Windsor.

The Times also reports that Sir Claude Hankes was one member who opposed Stern’s candidacy on the board at the time.

In an email seen by The Telegraph, Sir Claude wrote: "To suggest as you do… that Mr Stern is a contact of the Queen is absurd.

"The Queen does not have contacts, believe me. How anybody could have thought this defies logic. He may be known to the Duke of York."