By Police to investigate Prince Charles’ charity
The Metropolitan Police is to investigate claims that Prince Charles’ charity offered honours help to a Saudi citizen.
The force said it is investigating alleged offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.
There have been no arrests or interviews under caution, the Met said, but that officers had been “contacting those believed to hold relevant information.”
Last year a long serving aide to Charles, Mr Fawcett, quit his senior role with the charity, following claims he offered to help a Saudi billionaire secure an honour and a knighthood in return for donations to the Prince’s Foundation.
The Sunday Times claimed that Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz donated large sums to restoration projects which were close to Prince Charles’ heart and had been promised support for a honour.
Mr Mahfouz denies any wrongdoing.
Clarence House has reiterated its previous statement, saying: “The Prince of Wales had no knowledge of the alleged offer of honours or British citizenship on the basis of donation to his charities.”
A spokesperson for The Prince’s Foundation said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation.”
Updates to follow.
