Extraordinary tale of the fugitive brothel madam and her dominatrix lover who conned their way into British high society - and even met the Queen

In 1997, during the Royal Windsor Horse Show, two flamboyant women engaged in conversation with Queen Elizabeth II in the royal enclosure. One of them, Laila Andre, later recalled discussing horses and a potential country estate purchase with the monarch. Unbeknownst to the public at the time, these women were not millionaires or heiresses, but Australian fugitives who had constructed a lavish lifestyle through deception. Their journey into British high society culminated in a meeting with the Queen, though their true identities were far removed from the image they projected. The pair, Laila Andre and Evelyn Burton, had previously operated a series of brothels in Melbourne, Australia. Andre had also worked under the alias Madame Xaviera as a dominatrix, serving a discreet yet affluent clientele. Their transition from operating illicit businesses to infiltrating elite circles was marked by elaborate schemes involving financial fraud and misrepresentation. Among those affected was Michael Bullen, a former equerry to the Queen, who suffered a loss of £60,000 due to their deceit. Andre and Burton's escapades eventually led to legal consequences. Both women were sentenced to prison terms for their fraudulent activities. Twenty-five years after their convictions, the narrative of their rise and fall has been explored in a new podcast titled Royal Swindle. This production includes accounts from individuals impacted by their actions, alongside Andre, who now resides in social housing near Melbourne, far removed from the opulence she once associated with. Andre, now 77 and facing mobility challenges, maintains that she was unaware of the extent of Burton's deceptions. She describes herself as more of a devoted follower than an active participant in the schemes. Despite admitting guilt for charges related to deception, Andre asserts that Burton orchestrated all aspects of their operations. Her account portrays a relationship where Burton maintained control, often withholding information from Andre. The origins of Andre and Burton's partnership trace back to the early 1980s in Melbourne, where both women were managing brothels. Andre, who was married at the time, claims she felt an immediate connection with Burton, despite her unconventional appearance. She describes Burton as charismatic and challenging, yet deeply affectionate. Their shared experiences of hardship influenced Burton's determination to ensure they would never face deprivation again. Burton's ambitions extended beyond the adult entertainment industry. She invested in a lesbian magazine and a soft-porn franchise while establishing a finance company named Leveraged Equity Investments International. This enterprise purported to offer loans in exchange for upfront fees, although investigations revealed that clients paid the fees but never received the promised funds. The lack of legitimate financial backing for these ventures contributed to the eventual unraveling of their elaborate facade. As the podcast delves deeper into the lives of Andre and Burton, it highlights the complexity of their relationship and the impact of their actions on those around them. While Andre's perspective offers insight into her role within the scheme, the broader implications of their conduct continue to resonate among those who were deceived. The legacy of their exploits serves as a cautionary tale of ambition and deception intertwined within the fabric of high society.