Revealed last year, the case had splashed the heir to the throne. The British police announced, Wednesday, February 16, the opening of an investigation to establish whether donations to the foundation of Prince Charles could have been rewarded with honorary titles and used to support a request for naturalization of a man of Saudi business.
“The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations of breaches under the Honors Act 1925 [prévention des abus] », Scotland Yard said in a statement, adding that there had been no arrests. Police said they opened the investigation after reviewing a letter received in September 2021. Investigators have contacted “persons suspected of having relevant information” and have been in connection with the foundation of the prince who “provided a number of relevant documents”.
Prince’s former valet suspected
Prince Charles’ former assistant valet, Michael Fawcett – who resigned in November 2021 -, reputed to be very close to the heir to the throne, is suspected of having used his influence to help Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak Ben Mahfouz, a generous donor to charities linked to the British monarchy, to obtain a decoration.
According to Tea Sunday Times, Mr Mahfouz, 51, was made Commander of the British Empire by Prince Charles in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace in November 2016, an event which was not published in the official list of appointments royals. Benefiting from such a distinction made it possible to support the request for British nationality of the Saudi, according to the newspaper.
“The Prince of Wales had no knowledge of the alleged offer of honors or British citizenship on the basis of a donation to his charities”, reiterated his services. A spokesperson for the foundation said that“it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation. »
Several investigations already underway
At the same time, the press had revealed that the foundation of Prince Charles would have agreed to receive several hundred thousand euros from a Russian donor, leading to the opening of an investigation by the independent body which regulates the activity of charitable associations. in Scotland. The president of the foundation, Douglas Connell, resigned, while denying having committed the slightest fault.
An investigation was also launched last November by the English regulator of charities to examine whether the Mahfouz Foundation, of the rich Saudi businessman, had received donations which were intended for that of Prince Charles.
“The investigation will examine whether certain donations received by the Mahfouz Foundation were intended for the organization, whether they were used in accordance with the intention of the donors and whether they should be returned”, explained at the time the Charity Commission. She had also mentioned “concerns” regarding the governance and financial control of this charitable organization.
