An investigation into claims of cash for honors has revealed that Prince Charles’s ex-right-handman coordinated with “fixers” over honors nominations for a Saudi billionaire donor.
After a series of accusations, Michael Fawcett resigned from his position as chief executive of the foundation. He was also implicated in the transfer of money from Charles’ foundation to another charity, it was discovered.
Chair of Prince’s Foundation, Sue Bruce said that the Prince’s Foundation had been through a difficult chapter. However, she stated that the foundation will learn lessons to make sure it acts with integrity and probity.
Last month, Mr Fawcett quit amid allegations that he had promised to secure Mahfouz Marei Mobarak bin Mahfouz British citizenship and a knighthood.
Another letter, also discovered by Mr Fawcett and Dr Mahfouz from 2017, was written in which he advised that the Prince’s Foundation would ‘happy to lend its support’.
After a series of accusations, Michael Fawcett, who was pictured in May 2019 with Prince Charles, resigned from his position as chief executive of the foundation. He was also implicated in the transfer of money from Charles’ foundation to another charity, it was discovered.
Last month, the adviser resigned amid allegations that he had promised to assist Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz in securing a British citizenship and a knighthood. (pictured meeting Charles) Charles is a billionaire Saudi donor to Prince’s Foundation.
In 2017, Dr Mahfouz received a letter from Mr Fawcett, in which he indicated that the Prince’s Foundation was ‘happy’ and willing’ help him.
Clarence House stated that it was important for His Royal Highness to see charities bearing his name adhere to charity regulations.
“We’re taking this opportunity for guidance, particularly regarding their relationship with supporters.
Republic, which campaigned for an elected head state said that Charles had known about the deals and there was a glaring hole in the investigation.
Clarence House previously stated that the prince knew nothing about the honours cash scandal.
Graham Smith, Republic stated: “How can a charity CEO obtain honours or meet with Prince Charles without Charles knowing what was happening?”
“It isn’t credible. But the charity has carefully avoided any questions about Charles. This leaves an obvious hole in their investigation.”
The independent investigation into fundraising practices was ordered by the foundation and carried out independently by auditing firm Ernst & Young.
Today’s results will be made available to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, which examines the dealings of the foundation.
According to the summary, evidence was found that Mr Fawcett had ‘communications with and coordinated’ with so-called “fixers” regarding honorary nominations of donors between 2014-18. However, trustees weren’t aware of the correspondence.
Summary of the results revealed that Dr bin Mahfouz’s Mahfouz Foundation was transferred to the Children and the Arts Foundation.
Prince Charles, Lord Thurso and Mr Fawcett touring Granary Accommodation in 2019,
In the investigation, evidence was found that Mr Fawcett ‘co-ordinated’ and communicated with “fixers” about honorary nominations of donors for 2014-18.
According to an investigation, the activity involved written correspondence and was not approved by the trustees of Prince’s Foundation.
Concerning allegations that money meant for Prince’s Foundation was given to CATA, the Charity Commission launched an investigation into Mahfouz Foundation.
The Prince’s Foundation initially received £100,000 from Russian banker Dmitry Leus, via the Mahfouz Foundation, but Charles’s charity’s ethics committee rejected the money and returned it to the Mahfouz Foundation.
The summary stated that Mr Fawcett participated in the subsequent transfer of funds from Mahfouz Foundation (CATA)
Charles created CATA (formerly the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts) in 2006 as a way to provide theatre, music and galleries for young people without access.
Companies House documents that were filed September 2019, stated trustees would start the process to dissolve the charity.
The Times reported last month, that Fawcett organized for CATA’s transfer in September 2020.
Charles was aided by Mr Fawcett throughout his life. The prince said once that he could do without anyone except Michael.
Clarence House had previously claimed that Prince Charles (pictured in Barbados on Tuesday), didn’t know about the cash for honors scandal
He was a former valet royal and resigned twice more, once in 2003, when he was charged with selling royal gifts. However, an investigation cleared him of this charge.
Dame Sue explained that the trustee board unanimously accepted that the allegations were to be thoroughly investigated in order for the facts to be determined and to take all appropriate steps to correct them.
Now that the board has reviewed the findings, the trustees will be analyzing them together with OSCR and other interested parties.
“The trustee board is certain that the lessons learned will help ensure that our charity continues to maintain the highest standards in every area and acts with integrity and probity in the future.
“As the chapter closes, I am hopeful that stories will once again focus on the good outcomes of the Prince’s Foundation. And we are optimistic about the future and the possibility of delivering our charitable activities.
Another finding from the investigation was that no evidence had been found that trustees or employees of the foundation knew of private dinners that were being sold or arranged to receive money.
Also, it stated that there is no evidence to support the claim that the foundation paid commissions for society fixer Michael Wynne–Parker and Burke’s Peerage editors William Bortrick.
According to the foundation, “The investigation revealed other cases of commissions discussed or paid.”
“It’s not unusual for charities to pay commissions to third parties to introduce donors.”
OSCR indicated that they were carefully reviewing the report and would continue with their inquiry “before we decide what, if anything, is necessary in this case.”
Norman Baker, ex-Liberal Democrat MP has written previously to the Metropolitan Police asking for a criminal probe into claims of cash for honors.