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That’s why the claims this week of corruption at the very top of Charles’ charitable network are bound to be of concern to Buckingham Palace.
According to an investigation by the Sunday Times, Michael Fawcett helped nominate Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz for a coveted CBE. It was reportedly in exchange for substantial charitable contributions. CNN has reached out for comment from Mahfouz and Fawcett.
Charles himself is not under any scrutiny and a spokesman for the prince told CNN he has “no knowledge” of the alleged scandal. Nonetheless, the association is embarrassing.
This work is separate from his constitutional role representing the Queen at official events, which are paid for and supported by the British government.
That separation is deliberate, to avoid any suggestion of a conflict of interest or abuse of power. His charities are operated outside his main office at Clarence House, and that’s something royal sources have emphasized this week while battling the scandal.
Charles has spent years trying to rid himself of the nickname “the meddling prince” — coined by some British tabloids — and prove his impartiality as a future head of state. With the UK being a constitutional monarchy, royals are meant to remain neutral and avoid expressing their personal views on policy.
This recent episode is particularly difficult for Charles, as Fawcett is — without doubt — his longest-serving and most loyal aide, having worked his way up from a valet position in the royal household to CEO of his foundation. It’s also difficult personally, because Charles once described Fawcett as “indispensable.”
Charles has not been accused of any kind of wrongdoing but as direct successor to the throne a certain level of decorum is expected of him. A continued association with a right-hand man — who left his valet role in 2003 after he was cleared of selling unwanted royal gifts and taking a cut — could ultimately taint Charles’ reputation. Both will be hoping the investigations are concluded swiftly.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Camilla supports survivors of sexual assault with latest patronage.
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?
Queen Elizabeth supports Black Lives Matter movement, says aide.
The Cambridges’ foundation puts diversity front and center.
Harry praises military charity expedition.
The Duke of Sussex has wished “good luck and good weather” upon a six-man team preparing for a 249-mile fundraising trek, after the Walking With The Wounded veterans charity announced its twice-delayed Grenadier Walk of Oman expedition would be “reimagined” in the UK. Harry, who has been expedition patron for a number of years, said: “The team at Walking With The Wounded understand that it’s not about where you walk — it’s about walking together with a common purpose and shared mission. These men and women know what service is, they’ve seen and overcome adversity, and they won’t let obstacles get in their way. They are paragons of inspiration for communities everywhere. We wish them good luck and good weather.” The charity’s CEO, Fergus Williams, said the decision to proceed with the venture in the UK was the result of continued uncertainty around the pandemic and travel restrictions. Set to start on October 10 at the Omani embassy in London, the team will walk the Thames Path trail and take on Pen-Y-Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.
William is back to work after his summer vacation.
Family pays personal tribute to Prince Philip in new documentary.
More than a dozen members of the royal family have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh in a new documentary honoring his life. The Queen and the duke’s children, along with their adult grandchildren and other members of the family, took part in a poignant, personal portrait of Philip, the longest-serving consort in royal history. The documentary, conceived to mark Philip’s 100th birthday, features interviews filmed before and after his death in April, and features never-before-seen moments from his life. It airs on BBC TV on September 22.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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