In The Wake Of Honor Charges, Prince Charles' Former Aide Resigns From His Charity Position
Following accusations that he helped obtain an accolade for a Saudi contributor, a former close assistant to Prince Charles stood aside temporarily from his post as chief executive of a royal organization.
Michael Fawcett coordinated assistance for Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, according to the Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday publications.
According to The Times, the billionaire gave The Prince's Foundation more than 1.5 million pounds ($2.1 million) to fund heritage restoration projects of importance to Charles, including properties he used.
At a private ceremony in 2016, Charles awarded Mahfouz an honorary CBE, or Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, according to the story. Saudi Arabia denies any wrongdoing.
In a statement, the Prince's Foundation stated Fawcett offered to temporarily step down as the organization's top executive while an inquiry is conducted. Fawcett will help with the probe, according to the report.
Fawcett started his royal career as a footman for Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 and eventually became Charles' assistant valet.
He was suspected of selling undesired royal presents in 2003, but the suspicions of financial impropriety were dropped. He resigned as valet, but continued to serve in other capacities, including as Charles' event coordinator.