Douglas Connell, the president of Prince Charles ’charity, has resigned after reporting that the organization received a donation of more than £ 500,000 ($ 692,000) from a Russian banker seeking British citizenship.
Connell resigned Wednesday after the Sunday Times alleged that Charles wrote a letter thanking businessman Dmitry Leus for last year’s offer. The newspaper said Charles suggested they could meet after the pandemic.
A spokesman for the Prince’s Foundation said: “The Prince’s Foundation understands and respects Mr Connell’s decision to step down. We would like to thank him for all his work so far and wish him well. Dame Sue Bruce, vice president, will take over as acting president with immediate effect. “
“The Prince’s Foundation takes the allegations made in recent news articles very seriously and is committed to the highest ethical standards. These changes to the board will not affect the scope or timing of the rigorous independent investigation already underway.” .
MICHAEL FAWCETT, ROYAL AID OF PRINCE CHARLES, IS DRAWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE “GOLD VISA” SCANDAL
The president of Prince Charles’ charity has resigned amid an ongoing donor scandal.
(UK Pool via AP)
The Scottish charity regulator began an investigation into the matter earlier this week. The report said the charity initially received £ 100,000 from the Russian, but rejected the full amount after its ethics committee raised concerns about Leus’ background.
The allegations followed previous claims, also reported by the Sunday Times, that the charity’s chief executive, Michael Fawcett, helped a Saudi donor secure British cavalry and citizenship after he made a large donation.
Fawcett, Charles’s former valet, left the charity temporarily and an independent investigation was initiated.
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Connell said Wednesday he should accept responsibility “if it appears a serious misconduct may have occurred.”
Charles is president of the foundation, but does not participate in its governance or day-to-day activities.
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A spokesman said Charles “fully supports the ongoing investigation into the foundation.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.