London, Europe Brief News, British police has opened an investigation into Prince Charles’s charitable foundation over claims of a cash-for-honors scandal involving a Saudi businessman.
“The decision follows an assessment of a September 2021 letter. This related to media reporting alleging offers of help made to secure honors and citizenship for a Saudi national,” Scotland Yard said in a statement.
This constitutes another blow to the royal family.
However, police stressed there have been no arrests so far.
The head of The Prince’s Foundation resigned last year after an internal investigation into the allegations.
Michael Fawcett, chief executive of the foundation, had initially agreed to suspend his duties following newspaper revelations about his links to a Saudi national.
Fawcett was a former valet to the Prince of Wales who has been close to Queen Elizabeth II’s heir.
The man, tycoon Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, had donated large sums to restoration projects of particular interest to Charles.
Fawcett is alleged to have coordinated efforts to grant a royal honor and even U.K. citizenship to Mahfouz.
Mahfouz reportedly denies any wrongdoing.
The royal family is reeling following Prince Andrew’s decision on Tuesday to settle a sexual abuse claim out of court. The scandal has so far overshadowed Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Charles’ foundation, which helps jobless people get back to work, said it took the claims “very seriously.”
