Michael Fawcett, who has since resigned as chief executive of Charles’s charitable body, The Prince’s Foundation, was accused of promising to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for a Saudi billionaire donor.
According
to report, the Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the
honours and citizenship given to a Saudi national linked to the Prince of
Wales's charity.
Pressure
group Republic contacted Scotland Yard last September and reported both Charles
and his former right-hand man Michael Fawcett on suspicion of breaching the
Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.
The Met’s
Special Enquiry Team is leading the inquiry - the same unit which is charge of
the Partygate investigation into gatherings in Downing Street during lockdown.
Clarence
House has previously said Charles has "no knowledge" of the scandal.
The future
king is expected to make his first public appearance today after catching COVID
for the second time.
A
spokesperson for The Prince’s Foundation said: “It would be inappropriate to
comment on an ongoing investigation.”
The
charity is understood to be continuing to offer its full co-operation to the
Metropolitan Police.
Charles is
president of the foundation but not involved with its governance, with the
charity’s trustees overseeing its day-to-day activities.
Clarence
House reiterated its previous statement: “The Prince of Wales had no knowledge
of the alleged offer of honours or British citizenship on the basis of donation
to his charities.”
“The
Metropolitan Police Service has launched an investigation into allegations of
offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.
“The
decision follows an assessment of a September 2021 letter. This related to
media reporting alleging offers of help were made to secure honours and
citizenship for a Saudi national.
“The
Special Enquiry Team has conducted the assessment process which has included
contacting those believed to hold relevant information.
“Officers
liaised with The Prince’s Foundation about the findings of an independent
investigation into fundraising practices. The Foundation provided a number of
relevant documents.
“These
documents were reviewed alongside existing information. The assessment
determined an investigation will commence.
“There
have been no arrests or interviews under caution.”
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