The Earl of Strathmore has admitted to sexually assaulting a woman during a party at his Scottish castle.
Simon Bowes-Lyon forced his way into the victim’s bedroom during a weekend long event at Glamis Castle in Angus, BBC News reported.
Over a twenty minute period he repeatedly assaulted the woman, in her twenties, and tried to pull off her dress.
The woman fled the castle the morning after the attack, which took place in February last year.
Bowes-Lyon, 34, who is the Queen's first cousin twice removed, was granted bail at Dundee Sheriff’s Court and his sentence was deferred for reports.
He faces up to five years in prison for the offence.
Glamis Castle will be assessed for its suitability to house the Earl while he wears an electronic tag. He has also been placed on the sex offender’s register.
In a statement outside court, Bowes-Lyon said he had "drunk to excess" on the night of the assault.
"Clearly I had drunk to excess on the night of the incident", he said.
"I should have known better. I recognise, in any event, that alcohol is no excuse for my behaviour.
"I did not think I was capable of behaving the way I did but have had to face up to it and take responsibility.
"My apologies go, above all, to the woman concerned, but I would also like to apologise to family, friends and colleagues for the distress I have caused them."
Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Princess Margaret was born there.
Detective Inspector Marc Lorente, from Police Scotland’s Tayside Division Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We welcome the conviction of Simon Bowes-Lyon who has admitted to his actions.
“Working with the Metropolitan Police, we carried out a thorough investigation into this sexual assault and I would like to thank the victim for her bravery, courage and support throughout our inquiries.
