Born into one of Africa’s kleptocratic ruling families, Noureddin Bongo enjoyed a gilded youth on the playing fields of Eton.

While he mixed with the rich and famous in Windsor, his grandfather and father governed Gabon with iron fists, looting state coffers to fund their lavish lifestyles.

But since a coup led by a cousin two years ago, the Old Etonian has been languishing in a filthy prison cell accused of embezzlement.

The father of three’s immediate family, who live in London, claim he has been held “hostage” by Gabon’s new regime, which wants to access his family bank accounts.