LONDON (AP) – A former aide to Prince Charles has temporarily resigned as chief executive of a royal charity amid reports that he helped get an honor for a Saudi donor.
The Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday reported that Michael Fawcett coordinated support in honor of Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz.
The Times said the businessman donated more than £ 1.5 million ($ 2.1 million) to the Prince’s Foundation to fund heritage restoration projects for Charles, including the residences that Charles used.
The report said Charles awarded Mahfouz an honorary CBE, or Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in a private ceremony in 2016. The Saudi denies the offense.
The Prince Foundation said in a statement that Fawcett offered to temporarily leave the active functions as executive director of the organization while an investigation is conducted. He said Fawcett will help with the investigation.
Fawcett began his royal service in 1981 as a lackey for Queen Elizabeth II and later became Charles’s aide.
In 2003 he was accused of selling unwanted royal gifts, but allegations of financial misconduct were withdrawn. He resigned as valet, but continued to work in other roles, including as Charles’ event planner.