Princess Pushy says: Yes, I have had Botox

Princess Michael of Kent once claimed she owed her youthful looks to her family genes. But now it seems she was being less than candid.

Just a few weeks ago the 60-year-old Czech-born princess said of her looks: "My mother was very

young-looking. It is genetic. We have that kind of skin that does not age."

The royal - whose apparently imperious manner has led to her being nicknamed Princess Pushy - added: "I do gym. I have never worn make-up - I wear blusher and tinted moisturiser and that is all you need."

She was recently seen leaving Harley Street cosmetic surgery clinic Kosmeticos, sparking speculation over what treatment she had received. The clinic is run by plastic surgeon Yannis Alexandrides, whose services include breast enlargements and tummy tucks.

But his most popular procedures are Botox injections. They cost ?250 a time and "top-ups" are required every three to four months. The treatment involves injecting tiny facial muscles with a small amount of the toxin botulinum.

This temporarily paralyses the muscles, smoothing out wrinkles. It takes minutes and no sedation is required. Stars who have had the treatment include Lulu and Meg Ryan.

Princess Michael, who grew up in Sydney, where her mother worked as a hairdresser, is married to the Queen's first cousin, Prince Michael of Kent. The Queen is once said to have remarked: "She's far too grand for us."