Prosecutors could rule on cash-for-honours case by Xmas

PROSECUTORS considering an alleged cash-forhonours scandal at one of the King’s charities could rule on possible criminal charges next month, it was claimed yesterday.

Michael Fawcett, 59, the King’s former valet, quit as head of The Prince’s Foundation last year after the allegations first emerged.

He was alleged to have helped secure an honorary CBE for wealthy businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz in 2016, following

donations to restoration projects. Charles, then Prince of Wales, presented the honour at a private investiture at Buckingham Palace.

Mr Fawcett then wrote to the Saudi donor in 2017 and allegedly offered help to upgrade his honorary CBe to a knighthood, and to support his application for British citizenship.

The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 this February, and a file of evidence was passed to the CPS on October 31. now prosecutors must decide if there is sufficient evidence to bring charges and whether a trial is in the public interest.

A decision is expected before Christmas, The Sunday Times said, meaning the case could be heard before the King’s coronation in May. The Palace said it would not comment on an ongoing inquiry. Mr Fawcett and Mr Mahfouz, 52, have previously declined to comment.