Sometimes I do stop and think: “Are these the last days of the Empire?” Do you ever get that feeling? That like the Roman Empire before us, the English-speaking Western world will fall and it’s because we shrugged our shoulders when “sex-entrepreneurs” made millions of dollars organizing extravagant sex parties for the rich, well-connected and famous? Granted, these sex parties are only for consenting adults, so at least on that level, the Empire still stands. But it does seem sometimes like the hedonism and excess has a decidedly “end of days” feel.

All of that is just a prologue to this story about Duchess Kate and her friend Emma Sayle. The UK tabloids have been talking about this for months, probably because there is a “royal connection.” Kate and Emma are friends or were friends at some point. They went to the same school (Downe House) and Emma was the friend who convinced Kate to do that Sisterhood rowing thing in 2007 (which Kate ended up not doing because William came back to her). You can see a photo of Emma and Kate here. Funny story: Emma runs a business called Killing Kittens, a business that organizes sex parties.

Emma Sayle is the founder and CEO of Killing Kittens – a highly successful sex party business that caters to the rich and racy. For $250 a couple ($100 for single women), guests at Emma’s high-end romps are treated to a night of champagne, oysters and anonymous sex in discreet, upscale boutique hotels and rented luxury penthouses.

The business is a huge hit, with regular parties in London, LA and a New York City branch opening soon. But while Kate finds her job interesting and “funny,” Queen Elizabeth sees it as no laughing matter.

“This is yet another reason why the Queen can’t stand the Middlestons,” says a royal insider. “The Queen thinks it’s so embarrassing that Kate would associate with someone like Emma.”

But Kate doesn’t understand why the Queen would care. Kate sees Emma as a successful businesswoman, much like her parents. A source says: “Kate really doesn’t see what the big deal is. She and Emma have been friends for years and she refuses to end their relationship just because the Queen doesn’t like it.”

Physical fitness is one of many interests shared by Kate and Emma, who met in 2007 during a rowing event for charity. Both women also attended the prestigious Downe House, although not at the same time. Both are moms as well – Emma has a five-month old son with Olympian James Tindall. The insider says: “They’ve been friends for years. They really get along.”

Sources say Kate is “fascinated” with Emma’s business. Killing Kittens grossed $1 million last year and boasts 43,000 members worldwide.

The royal insider says: “The Queen was furious after learning of Kate’s link to such a trashy business. This is the last thing she needs. She keeps urging Kate to distance herself from Emma. But Kate doesn’t like being told what to do.”

[From Star Magazine, print edition]

As I said, the sex party business seems to be only for consenting adults, which is more than we can say for Prince Andrew’s extracurricular activities. Still… this is a pretty tacky, unnecessary scandal for Duchess Kate. That is, IF Kate and Emma are still friends. We don’t really know if they’re still in contact or how close they actually are. My guess is that Emma and Kate probably aren’t that close and Kate is NOT “fascinated” by Emma’s work. And my guess is that the Queen has bigger fish to fry.

Here are some photos of Emma in 2014.

Photos courtesy of WENN.