Michael Fawcett has temporarily stepped back from his duties at The Prince's Foundation

A former aide to the Prince of Wales has temporarily stepped down from his role as chief executive of The Prince's Foundation amid claims that he helped secure an honour for a major donor.

Michael Fawcett has been accused of offering to help a wealthy Saudi businessman with an honour.

Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz received an honorary CBE in late 2016.

It has been reported that the Prince was not aware of any link between donations to the foundation and honours.

The Met Police said it was "aware of media reports and will await further contact in relation to this matter".

Fawcett became chief executive of the Prince's Foundation in 2018. It is an educational charity and encompasses a number of Prince Charles' charitable interests.

The heritage-led regeneration of the Dumfries House estate in Ayrshire is at the heart of the organisation's work, the foundation's website says.

Claims about Fawcett's conduct were published in the Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday.

The Sunday Times said Mahfouz, who denies any wrongdoing, donated large sums to restoration projects of particular interest to Prince Charles.

Fawcett is alleged to have coordinated support for an honour for Mahfouz, according to newspaper reports.

Douglas Connell, chair of The Prince's Foundation, said Fawcett offered on Saturday (4 September) to step down temporarily from chief executive duties while an investigation was carried out.

Connell added: "The Prince's Foundation has accepted this offer. Michael fully supports the ongoing investigation and has confirmed that he will assist the investigation in every way."

A spokeswoman for The Prince's Foundation said it "takes very seriously the allegations that have recently been brought to its attention and the matter is currently under investigation".

Fawcett was once a close aide of Prince Charles and served as his valet until 2003.