Prince Charles’ closest aide Michael Fawcett resigns over cash-for-honors scandal
The Prince’s Basis launched an inquiry into the claims. Charles has denied any information of the alleged provide of honors in return for donations, with a Clarence Home spokesperson beforehand telling CNN the prince totally supported the charity’s ongoing investigation.
Fawcett has been accused of utilizing his place and affect to assist Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz receive an honorary Commander of the Most Glorious Order of the British Empire (or CBE) title, based on the Sunday Occasions.
An honorary CBE is likely one of the highest accolades that may be acquired by a non-Commonwealth citizen. The Sunday Occasions reported Mahfouz made massive monetary donations to refurbishment initiatives of curiosity to the Prince of Wales in trade for assist in securing the honorary title, which the Queen conferred in 2016. The newspaper alleges Fawcett — who left his valet function in 2003 however was reportedly freelancing for the royal — coordinated the appliance course of.
CNN has reached out to Mahfouz for remark. CNN additionally tried to succeed in Fawcett by the Prince’s Basis.
The Prince’s Basis is an umbrella group for various Charles’ charitable initiatives, primarily based on the historic Dumfries Home property in Scotland, which is used as a middle for training and coaching and champions sustainable dwelling. Fawcett had been chief govt of the charity since 2018, based on PA Media information company. It’s operated individually from Prince Charles’ major workplace at Clarence Home.
Fawcett, whom the Prince of Wales as soon as described as “indispensable,” joined the royal service in 1981 as a footman to the Queen. He earned fast promotion to sergeant footman earlier than being made assistant valet to Charles.
The royal aide resigned from Charles’ service in 2003 following allegations of mismanagement of his royal family. A report later cleared Fawcett of promoting undesirable royal presents and taking a lower of the revenue. Nevertheless, he was discovered to have bent guidelines and accepted perks and hospitality.
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