Prince Charles 'willing to speak to police' over cash-for-honours probe as royals reeling
PRINCE CHARLES would be willing to speak to the police as part of an investigation into claims regarding his foundation, it has been reported.
‘Cash-for-honours’ probe launched after Charles reported to police
They said: “There has been no request for help from the police so far, but if he is asked to help he will of course do so.”
The Met Police's decision to launch the probe comes after an "assessment of a September 2021 letter", Scotland Yard said in a statement.
The announcement continued: "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."
It read: "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.
READ MORE: Kate was ‘in tears at Palace’ after huge secret leaked
"There have been no arrests or interviews under caution."
Michael Fawcett, who was Prince Charles's trusted aide for decades, quit as the charity's CEO in November.
Two months prior, he had announced he would temporarily step down after a number of British newspapers published allegations he had offered to help Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz secure a knighthood and British citizenship.
The Sunday Times reported Mr Mahfouz had in the past donated large sums to restoration projects of particular interest to Prince Charles.
Prince Charles and Camilla might be forced to miss major Royal Family celebration
It's Prince Andrew's birthday this weekend - a chance for the Royal Family to celebrate in private. Find out why Prince Charles and Camilla might not be at the celebration.
The Saudi businessman, who denies any wrongdoing, received a CBE in late 2016.
The Mail On Sunday published a letter written by Mr Fawcett to Mr Mahfouz in 2017 in which he allegedly told the businessman he was willing to make an application to change the CBE to a KBE - an honorary knighthood - and to support Mr Mahfouz's application for citizenship.
Clarence House said in September Prince Charles had "no knowledge" of the allegations made.
In light of the police probe, Clarence House reiterated on Wednesday its previous statement on the matter, 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 Prince's Foundation was created by the heir to the throne in 1986, initially to teach and demonstrate in practice those principles of traditional urban design and architecture putting people and communities at the centre of the design process.
Within the years, it grew its focus to promote sustainability and renovate the Dumfries House Estate.
Crucially, it also offers education and training programmes in construction and traditional crafts across the country.
Just earlier this month, Prince Charles was joined by his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and daughter-in-law Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, for a tour of The Prince's Foundation's Trinity Buoy Wharf.
There, they met staff and students attending various courses focused on arts such as painting, drawing, design, fashion and pottery.