PRINCE Charles’ top aide has quit amid claims he “fixed” an honour for a Saudi tycoon who donated millions to Royal charities.
Michael Fawcett stepped down temporarily as the chief executive of The Prince’s Foundation.
His resignation comes after he reportedly offered to help get a knighthood and British citizenship for businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, the Daily Mail reported.
A former Palace official said Mr Fawcett’s resignation was “an earthquake” to Charles.
Mr Fawcett reportedly earned £95,000 a year as the head of Charles’ charitable foundation, and was known as “Rasputin” by some colleagues.
A former Royal aide told the Mail: “Michael brings the money in and gets results, so the Prince feels he needs him around, but I never liked him.
“More importantly, Michael is a serious risk as far as the Prince’s reputation is concerned.”
The Prince’s Foundation chairman Douglas Connell told the Mail: “Earlier today, Michael Fawcett offered to step down temporarily from active duties as chief executive of The Prince’s Foundation while the trustees’ investigation is ongoing.
“The Prince’s Foundation has accepted this offer. Michael fully supports the ongoing investigation and has confirmed that he will assist in every way.”
Mr Mahfouz received an honorary CBE from Charles in 2016 for “services to charities in the UK”.
He has made several big-money donations to Charles’ charities.
Mr Mahfouz allegedly donated to royal building restorations with the aim of securing UK citizenship.
He was reportedly advised that honorary roles would help his application and leaked emails published in The Celeb Reportday Times show their award would lead to further donations.
In one from 2014, William Bortrick, the owner of Burke’s Peerage and a paid adviser to Mr Mahfouz, told colleagues that once he has “Hon OBE… more money will flow”.
Mr Fawcett reportedly “coordinated” the application process that saw Mr Mahfouz “upgraded” from an honorary OBE to a CBE, which Prince Charles awarded in 2016.
The Prince’s Foundation said it was investigating the allegations.
Mahfouz denies any wrongdoing.
Pals say he is an “honourable philanthropist” who has given large sums to charity.
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