Former aide to Prince Charles steps down over cash-for-honors scandal

Michael Fawcett, who beforehand served because the prince's valet, has been accused of utilizing his place and affect to assist Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz download an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (or CBE) title, in accordance to the Sunday Times.

A Clarence House spokesperson informed CNN on Monday that Prince Charles has "no knowledge" of the allegations, after the UK's Metropolitan police stated it was investigating the controversy.

"The Prince of Wales has no knowledge of the alleged offer of honors or British citizenship on the basis of donation to his charities and fully supports the investigation now underway by The Prince's Foundation," the spokesperson stated.

The Prince's Foundation is an umbrella group for quite a lot of Charles' charitable initiatives, primarily based on the historic Dumfries House property in Scotland, which is used as a middle for schooling and coaching and champions sustainable residing.

Fawcett has been chief govt of the muse since 2018, in accordance to the PA information company. It is operated individually from Prince Charles' principal workplace at Clarence House.

A spokesperson for The Prince's Foundation informed CNN in a press release it "takes very seriously the allegations that have recently been brought to its attention and the matter is currently under investigation."

Douglas Connell, chair of The Prince's Foundation, stated in a press release Fawcett supplied to step down briefly "from active duties as Chief Executive of The Prince's Foundation while the Trustees' investigation is ongoing."

"The Prince's Foundation has accepted this offer. Michael fully supports the ongoing investigation and has confirmed that he will assist the investigation in every way," Connell added.

A supply shut to the muse informed CNN that Emily Cherrington, chief working officer, will take over within the interim and that The Prince's Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland, so the Scottish Charity Regulator has been knowledgeable.

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. In 2003, the royal aide resigned from Charles's service following allegations of mismanagement of his royal family. A report later cleared Fawcett of promoting undesirable royal items and taking a lower of the revenue. However, he was discovered to have bent guidelines and accepted perks and hospitality.