An honorary CBE is one of the highest recognitions a non-Commonwealth citizen can receive. The Sunday Times reported that Mahfouz made large financial donations to reform projects of interest to the Prince of Wales in exchange for support for the honorary title, which the Queen conferred in 2016. The newspaper alleges Fawcett, who left his valet role in 2003 but was reportedly independent for the real – coordinated the application process.
The Sunday Times reported that Mahfouz, who denies any offense, was seeking numerous honorary papers to bolster his application for British citizenship through the “golden visa” for the investment program.
CNN has contacted Mahfouz to comment. CNN also tried to reach Fawcett through the Prince Foundation. Consultations at Buckingham Palace were redirected to Clarence House, which in turn referred to the Prince’s Foundation.
The Prince Foundation is an umbrella organization for various Charles charities, based on the historic Dumfries House estate in Scotland, which is used as a center for education and training and advocates for sustainable living.
Fawcett has been the foundation’s chief executive since 2018, according to the PA news agency. It is operated separately from Prince Charles’ main office at Clarence House.
A spokesman for the Prince’s Foundation told CNN in a statement that “the allegations that have recently been brought to his attention and that the matter is currently being investigated are being taken very seriously.”
Douglas Connell, president of The Prince’s Foundation, said in a statement that Fawcett offered to temporarily cease “active duties as chief executive of The Prince’s Foundation while the administrators’ investigation is ongoing.”
“The Prince Foundation has accepted this offer. Michael fully supports the ongoing research and has confirmed that it will help research in every way,” Connell added.
A source close to the foundation told CNN that Emily Cherrington, director of operations, will take over temporarily and that The Prince’s Foundation is a registered charity in Scotland, so the Scottish Charity Regulator has been informed.
Fawcett, whom the Prince of Wales once described as “indispensable”, joined the royal service in 1981 as the queen’s lackey.
He gained a quick promotion to sergeant lackey before being appointed Charles’s valet assistant. In 2003, the royal assistant resigned from Charles’ service following allegations of mismanagement of his royal home. A report later made it clear to Fawcett the sale of unwanted royal gifts and the reduction in profit. However, he was found to have inclined rules and to accept advantages and hospitality.
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