Prince's charity in police probe following 'cash for honours' claims
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The Castle of Mey has been caught up in national media attention after police launched an investigation into Prince Charles’s charitable foundation over claims of a "cash for honours" scheme involving a wealthy Saudi businessman.
The matter relates to Dr Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, a supporter of the Prince's Foundation, who is said to have donated large sums to restoration projects of interest to Prince Charles, including Dumfries House in Ayrshire as well as the Castle of Mey.
It has been claimed that a promise was made to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for Dr Mahfouz.
The Metropolitan Police said this week it will investigate alleged offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.
A spokesperson for The Prince's Foundation said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation."
However, it is understood that the charity will continue to offer its full co-operation.
In September the foundation said it was carrying out an investigation into an alleged offer by the prince's former aide Michael Fawcett. Prince Charles had no knowledge of the alleged offer, Clarence House said.
Mr Fawcett stepped down temporarily from his role as chief executive of The Prince's Foundation before later resigning.
National media this week quoted a source saying that Prince Charles is willing to help the police investigation if asked to do so.
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Dr Mahfouz.
The Mail on Sunday reported in 2015 that Dr Mahfouz was understood to have donated £370,000 to the charitable trust that runs the Castle of Mey. The newspaper said an area of woodland near the 16th-century castle had been named Mahfouz Wood.
The Castle of Mey is the former holiday home of the Queen Mother and one of the leading tourist attractions in the far north. Its website lists Dr Mahfouz as an honorary patron.
The website describes Dr Mahfouz as an international businessman and philanthropist living in Saudi Arabia and in the UK. "He has a great interest in the culture and history of Scotland, hence his valued support for the Castle and Gardens of Mey," it says.
"He was awarded an honorary CBE by Her Majesty The Queen and appointed a Community Patron and Ambassador of The Prince’s Foundation by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay."
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said: "The Metropolitan Police Service has launched an investigation into allegations of offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.
"The decision follows an assessment of a September 2021 letter. This related to media reporting alleging offers of help were made to secure honours and citizenship for a Saudi national.
"The Special Enquiry Team has conducted the assessment process which has included contacting those believed to hold relevant information.
"Officers liaised with The Prince’s Foundation about the findings of an independent investigation into fundraising practices. The foundation provided a number of relevant documents.
"These documents were reviewed alongside existing information. The assessment determined an investigation will commence.
"There have been no arrests or interviews under caution."
