Prince Charles' charity investigated over cash-for-titles allegations
London police have launched an investigation into Prince Charles' charity.
The Metropolitan Police said Wednesday an investigation is being opened into the Prince's Foundation in connection to allegations that "offers of help were made to secure honours and citizenship for a Saudi national," CNN reports.
Last year, the Sunday Times reported that the charity's chief executive, Michael Fawcett, allegedly "fixed an honor for a Saudi tycoon who donated more than £1.5 million to royal charities," arranging to award the businessman an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire title.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Metropolitan Police said Wednesday an investigation has been launched to probe alleged offenses under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925. Officers have communicated with the Prince's Foundation about the findings of an independent investigation into the allegations, and the foundation provided relevant documents, police said. No arrests have been made.
"These documents were reviewed alongside existing information," police said. "The assessment determined an investigation will commence."
Fawcett stepped down over the allegations last year. Clarence House previously maintained that Prince Charles had "no knowledge of the alleged offer of honors or British citizenship on the basis of donation to his charities," while the Prince's Foundation said Wednesday it "would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
How much of a blow is ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu?
Today's Big Question Action by Hague court damages Israel's narrative that Gaza conflict is a war between 'good and evil'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
UK gynaecological care crisis: why thousands of women are left in pain
The Explainer Waiting times have tripled over the past decade thanks to lack of prioritisation or funding for women's health
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'The Hum': the real-life noise behind The Listeners
In The Spotlight Can some of us also hear the disturbing sound that plagues characters in the hit TV show – and where is it coming from?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published