– the great grandson of Prince Philip’s uncle – was involved in a ‘kidnapping’ while filming the show, it has been reported.
The 20-year-old was said to have been locked up in a 4×4 by mobsters in Corsica while on site for the reality TV show, which heads out to film abroad once a year.
Freddy first appeared on the E4 series last year as one of the youngest cast members after he was introduced to the show by co-star Joel Mignott.
It quickly became apparent Freddy had royal ties: he’s the great-grandson of the late’s uncle, the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who was played by .
It is not clear why Freddy was allegedly targeted while staying on the French island last year, but a source told: ‘The cast were very worried.
‘There were five burly men. They were intimidating and hostile and locked the doors of the 4×4 with Freddy inside.
‘No one could get hold of him for ages.’
They added that it ‘all ended up OK’ but they had ‘no idea’ what was going on, or whether the reported kidnapping was linked to ‘money or he’d just said the wrong thing in French’.
The publication adds that show bosses were not made aware of the incident at the time.
Before hitting the TV screens on Made In Chelsea, Freddy talked about his royal blood in interviews ahead of his debut episode.
He told : ‘My great-grandad, Lord Louis Mountbatten, was very “in” with the royal family.
‘He was the last English Governor General of India before it became independent and he led the British against Japan in the Second World War. He used to holiday with the royals all the time.
‘I’ve grown up in a generation that isn’t close with the monarchy anymore, but my aunts and uncles are still involved.’
When quizzed about what his family think of the new King, he responded: ‘We love the King! My close family will definitely have specific roles in his Coronation, but I doubt I will now I’m on MIC.
‘But who knows? I might end up sitting with the King on his big day!’
In the end, Freddy missed King Charles’ coronation to film the spin-off show in Corsica.
Asked why he declined the invite, according to the publication, he said: ‘You’ve got to go to work, I’m afraid.
‘I couldn’t fly back. I was filming that day.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Freddy Knatchbull’s representatives and E4 for comment.
