Prince Charles and aide reported to police over charity's ‘cash-for-honours’ scandal

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the honours and citizenship given to a Saudi national linked to the Prince of Wales's charity.

Pressure group Republic contacted Scotland Yard last September and reported both Charles and his former right-hand man Michael Fawcett on suspicion of breaching the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

The Met’s Special Enquiry Team is leading the inquiry - the same unit which is charge of the Partygate investigation into gatherings in Downing Street during lockdown.

Fawcett, who has since resigned as chief executive of Charles’s charitable body, The Prince’s Foundation, was accused of promising to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for a Saudi billionaire donor.

Clarence House has previously said Charles has "no knowledge" of the scandal.

The future king is expected to make his first public appearance today after catching COVID for the second time.

A spokesperson for The Prince’s Foundation said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation.”

The charity is understood to be continuing to offer its full co-operation to the Metropolitan Police.

Charles is president of the foundation but not involved with its governance, with the charity’s trustees overseeing its day-to-day activities.

Clarence House reiterated its previous statement: “The Prince of Wales had no knowledge of the alleged offer of honours or British citizenship on the basis of donation to his charities.”

Scotland Yard's full statement:

“The Metropolitan Police Service has launched an investigation into allegations of offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

“The decision follows an assessment of a September 2021 letter. 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.

“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.

“There have been no arrests or interviews under caution.”