‘Appalling’: Anti-monarchy group Republic slams police investigation into King’s charity over cash-for-honours claims
It was an investigation that involved serious allegations levelled at one of the King’s most cherished charities – The Prince’s Foundation – and one of his longest-serving aides.
And it is little surprise that the cash-for-honours claims – so close to Charles – made global headlines and prompted an 18-month investigation by senior Metropolitan Police detectives.
We’re told officers had, using court orders, examined over 200 documents. They had also spoken to “a number” of people as well as interviewing two men under caution.
After a year and a half, and following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, the Met concluded no further action was needed.
Critics of the monarchy say the findings are a whitewash. The chief executive of anti-monarchy group Republic, Graham Smith, accused the Met of behaving “dishonestly”. He says the investigation was “appalling” and asked why the King hadn’t been interviewed.
Republic now wants parliament to investigate the relationship between the Royal Family and the police.
Although Buckingham Palace simply “noted” the Met’s decision, there will no doubt be relief.
The Prince’s Foundation is a charity very close to the King’s heart – championing his long-held passions about sustainability, education and training.
At its heart is Dumfries House, which sits in a large Scottish estate. The King, as Prince of Wales, pushed to purchase and regenerate the house and land.
Even the suggestion of wrongdoing has been damaging. It cost Michael Fawcett his role as chief executive at the foundation, and dragged the King into the drama.
After months of waiting, we now know there will be no criminal investigation.
But it isn’t quite over yet. There is still an active investigation with the Scottish Charity Regulator to determine whether people within the foundation acted appropriately.
It is the biggest piece of work the regulator has ever been tasked with, and its findings are yet to be published.
The King is beginning his Balmoral summer break, but the focus on his foundation hasn’t yet ended.