The company recently running the Isle of Wight's George Hotel and Beach Club has appointed liquidators and owes almost £1 million to creditors, but the Yarmouth hotel says it remains unaffected.

Quay Street Ltd, whose director is known as an old friend of Prince Harry, Howard Spooner, appointed liquidators Begbies Traynor on April 28.

The company’s Statement of Affairs confirms a total of £966,000 is owed to 56 creditors, including £632,000 to HMRC.

Isle of Wight-based groups owed money by Quay Street Ltd include:

  • Wightlink - £798
  • Eurovines - £953
  • PC Consultants - £960
  • Island Ales - £1,185
  • Paul Entwistle Electrical - £1,808
  • Chant Lock & Security Services - £2,208
  • Isle of Wight Meat Co - £2,852
  • Medina Food Services - £2,993
  • Harold Hayles - £4,191
  • Island Fire Alarm & Security - £7,714
  • Isle of Wight Council - £10,717

Howard Spooner recently featured on the Channel 5 TV show, Jewel of the South, showing viewers around the hotel.

The George is now believed to be under the control of Solent View Hotel Ltd, which was incorporated in February, with the sole director now Felix Spooner, 26.

Howard Spooner won a battle to control the hotel, following a legal case last year, and subsequently won an appeal this January.

The hotel was for many years owned by Dianne Thompson, who is still director and secretary of the company The George Hotel (Yarmouth) Ltd, according to Companies House.

Dianne, a well-known British businesswoman, was CEO of the Camelot Group, which operates the UK National Lottery, until 2014, and was awarded a damehood in 2015.