Probe follows newspaper claims

Scotland’s charity regulator is investigating the conduct of a charity set up by Prince Charles.

OSCR is looking into the running of the Prince’s Foundation, which is based in Scotland, following a string of newspaper claims about its running.

They involve ‘access for cash’ allegations involving the charity and a wealthy Russian donor.

Recent scrutiny has seen the prince’s close aide Michael Fawcett temporarily step down as chief executive of the foundation.

A statement released by OSCR read: “We have been working with the Prince’s Foundation (charity number SC038770) to better understand the use of the organisation’s funds, and to gain a full understanding of the work which is being undertaken by the charity’s trustees to investigate the range of issues which have been raised.

“We have written to the trustees informing them that we will investigate these matters under the powers set out in section 28 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and will follow up any additional queries as they arise.

“It is the responsibility of all charity trustees, the people who manage and control a charity, to act at all times in the interests of the charity and comply with their legal duties in doing so. In particular, they must ensure that all funds are spent in achieving the charity’s purposes, and ensure that grants or donations are used in line with any conditions imposed.  We will consider what, if any, further action is appropriate for us to take when we have been able to fully consider information provided to us by the charity.”