Scotland Yard has launched an investigation into allegations of a “cash for honours” scandal linked to Prince Charles’ charity.
The investigation was launched following reports that offers of financial help were made to the Prince’s Foundation to help secure honours of citizenship for a Saudi national.
It has been alleged that Michael Fawcett, the former chief executive of the Prince’s Foundation and one of the Prince of Wales’s closest aides, tried to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for the billionaire donor, believed to be Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz.
Both men have denied any wrongdoing.
Mr Fawcett stepped down temporarily as the chief executive in September before resigning in November.
Scotland Yard said in a statement: “The Metropolitan Police Service has launched an investigation into allegations of offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.
“The decision follows an assessment of a September 2021 letter. This related to media reporting alleging offers of help were made to secure honours and citizenship for a Saudi national.
“The Special Enquiry Team has conducted the assessment process which has included contacting those believed to hold relevant information.
“Officers liaised with The Prince’s Foundation about the findings of an independent investigation into fundraising practices. The foundation provided a number of relevant documents.
“These documents were reviewed alongside existing information. The assessment determined an investigation will commence.
“There have been no arrests or interviews under caution.”
Charles is president of the foundation but not involved with its governance, with the charity’s trustees overseeing its day-to-day activities.
Following Wednesday’s update, Clarence House 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.”
The Standard has contacted Mr Fawcett for comment.
