PRINCE CHARLES wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks to a Russian banker who donated a six-figure sum to his charity in exchange for access to the royal.
Dmitry Leus, 72, was thanked for the “very generous” gift to the Prince’s Foundation in a note penned by Charles on May 18 last year.
The Russian financer reportedly made the donation with fixers close to Charles on the promise that he would get a face-to-face meeting with the prince, The Celeb Reportday Times reports.
Charles wrote to Leus: “Word has reached me that you have very generously decided to support the work of my Foundation. I cannot tell you how incredibly grateful I am for your encouragement for everything I am trying to achieve.”
He added: “I very much look forward to seeing you when this dreadful crisis passes, and, in the meantime, this comes with my warmest good wishes and heartfelt thanks. Your most sincerely, Charles.”
Mr Leus was found guilty of money laundering in Russia before seeing his conviction was quashed. It is not clear whether the prince knew about the condition of a meeting in exchange for a donation when he wrote the thank-you letter to Mr Leus.
In late 2020, the Prince’s Foundation rejected the donation that had been previously accepted over concerns about where the money came from.
It has since emerged that The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator is now investigating the Foundation’s dealings with Mr Leus.
‘Due diligence’
Last night royal sources said it was standard protocol for the prince to personally thank donors – and that he would have been instructed to by the foundation.
They said it would not be down to Charles himself to do “due diligence” on people wishing to give money.
Douglas Connell, Chair of The Prince’s Foundation said: “The Prince’s Foundation takes very seriously the allegations made in recent news articles.
“The Prince’s Foundation and its Trustees are committed to the highest ethical standards. Following the publication of an initial allegation relating to “middlemen” and donors the Trustees instigated a full and rigorous investigation with the assistance of Forensic Accountants from one of the ‘big four’ accountancy firms.
“This investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage.
“The Trustees will take all necessary action to protect the standing and reputation of the Foundation, including any reporting obligations, as and when the full facts are known. The full review is expected to take several weeks.”
Clarence House said last night: “The Prince of Wales fully supports the investigation now underway at the Foundation.”
