The former assistant valet of Prince Charles, famous very close to the heir of the throne, is suspected of having used his influence to help a Saudi businessman, generous donor, to obtain a decoration.
Le Monde with AFP
Revealed last year, the case had splashed the heir of the throne. The British police announced, Wednesday, February 16, the opening of an investigation to determine whether donations to the Foundation of Prince Charles could be rewarded by honorable titles and to support a request for a naturalization of a man. Saudi business.
“Metropolitan police has launched an investigation into the allegations of offenses under the 1925 Honors [Prevention of Abuses],” said Scotland Yard in a statement, stating that there was No arrests. The police explained to have opened the investigation after considering a letter received in September 2021. The investigators contacted “persons suspected of having relevant information” and were in liaison with the Prince Foundation who “provided a number relevant documents “.
The old valet of the prince suspected
Prince Charles’s former assistant valet, Michael Fawcett – who resigned in November 2021 -, renowned very close to the heir of the throne, is suspected of having used his influence to help the businessman Saudi Mahfouz Marei Mubarak Ben Mahfouz, generous donor to charitable works related to the British monarchy, to obtain a decoration.
According to The Sunday Times , Mr. Mahfouz, 51, was made commander of the British Empire by Prince Charles at a private ceremony organized in Buckingham Palace in November 2016, an event that had not been published in the official list of royal commitments. Benefit 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 has had no knowledge of the alleged offer of honors or British citizenship on the basis of a gift to his charities”, reiterated his services. A spokesman for the Foundation said that “it would be inappropriate to comment on a current investigation.”
Several surveys already underway
In parallel, the press had revealed that the Foundation of Prince Charles would have agreed to receive several hundred thousand euros from a Russian donor, resulting in the opening of an independent body survey that regulates the activity Charities associations in Scotland. The President of the Foundation, Douglas Connell, resigned, while defending himself to have committed the slightest fault.
An investigation was launched last November by the English regulator of charities to examine whether the Mahfouz Foundation, the rich Saudi businessman had received donations that were destined for that of Prince Charles.
“The survey will review whether some donations received by the Mahfouz Foundation were intended for the organization, if they were used in accordance with donors and whether they must be rendered,” had explained to time the Charity Commission. She had also reported “concerns” concerning the governance and financial control of this charity.