OSCR has launched a probe into the foundation

An aide of Prince Charles for more than 40 years has resigned from his charity foundation over allegations of cash for honours.  

Michael Fawcett stepped down temporarily in September from his role as CEO of The Prince’s Foundation after allegations surfaced he offered to help Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz secure an honorary CBE and British citizenship.

He has now resigned, the charity has confirmed.

The prince's charity promotes sustainability, runs the Dumfries House Estate and offers education and training programmes in construction and traditional crafts.

Newspaper reports allege Fawcett said he was willing to make an application to change Mahfouz's CBE to a KBE - an honorary knighthood - and to support his application for citizenship.

It also emerged that The Prince’s Foundation received a six-figure donation from Russian businessman Dmitry Leus last year, made via the Saudi businessman’s charity, The Mahfouz Foundation. 

Leus, who has had one application for British citizenship turned down, was convicted of money laundering in Russia before the conviction was overturned.  His donation was subsequently rejected by the ethics committee at the Prince’s Foundation.

Fawcett began working for the Royal Family in 1981 as a footman to the Queen, before later moving to the household of Prince Charles and becoming his valet.

In 2003, he was cleared of allegations of financial misconduct over the sale of royal gifts.

He resigned after an internal report criticised the running of Prince Charles' household, but he continued to work as a freelance fixer and events manager for the prince.

A spokesperson for the prince's charity said: "Michael Fawcett has resigned from his post as CEO of The Prince's Foundation."

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) confirmed that it has opened an inquiry into the Prince’s Foundation.