Prince Charles Prince’s Foundation has been rocked by allegations following an investigation into the dealings of its former chief executive Michael Fawcett.
- Prince Charles' former valet Michael Fawcett is alleged to have fixed an honor for a Saudi tycoon who donated to royal charities.
- The former chief executive has stepped down 'temporarily'.
- In other royal news, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are 'aiming so high' with new projects and friends are convinced it's Hollywood
Prince Charles' charitable organization, The Prince's Foundation, has been rocked by an investigation into its chief executive's dealings with a wealthy tycoon. The news comes as many of the royal family enjoy their summer break in Balmoral.
The chief objective of the foundation is to create sustainable communities through education and placemaking initiatives in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. However, the scandal surrounds how donations for Charles' project to renovate the stunning Dumfries House, a Palladian mansion in Scotland, were gained and what was potentially offered in exchange.
The Sunday Times claims their investigation found that Michael, the prince's former valet, and trusted aide, fixed an honor for a Saudi tycoon who donated to royal charities. Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, who denies any wrongdoing whatsoever, subsequently received a CBE from Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in 2016. The ceremony wasn't published in the Court Circular, according to the publication.
The investigation claims that the businessman's fixers had been in contact with individuals close to the prince about potentially acquiring an honor and citizenship for him since as far back as 2011.
A letter to one of the businessman's aides shared by the Daily Mail, which they claim was penned by Michael on August 18, 2017, says, "In light of the ongoing and most recent generosity of His Excellency... I am happy to confirm to you, in confidence, that we are willing and happy to support and contribute to the application for Citizenship."
It continues, "I can further confirm that we are willing to make [an] application to increase His Excellency’s honor from Honorary CBE to that of KBE in accordance with Her Majesty’s Honours Committee."
In response to the revelations, the chairman of the Prince's Foundation Douglas Connell said, "Earlier today, Michael Fawcett offered to step down temporarily from active duties as chief executive of The Prince’s Foundation while the trustees’ investigation is ongoing." They added, "The Prince’s Foundation has accepted this offer. Michael fully supports the ongoing investigation and has confirmed that he will assist in every way."
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