the details of the graduation ceremony for a saudi businessman and other evidence revealed by British media could complicate the situation of Prince Charles on the investigation into the alleged donation of money to the charitable foundation of the heir to the British throne in exchange for honours.
The scandal broke out in September 2021, when newspapers Sunday Times Y Mail on Sunday revealed that Michael Fawcettformer personal assistant to Carlos, had allegedly used his influence to help the Saudi businessman Mahfouz Marei Mubarak Bin Mahfouz, generous donor to charities linked to the British monarchy, to obtain an award.
The authorities suspect that Benefiting from this distinction was also important to support the Saudi’s application for British citizenship.
The awarding of that decoration —commander of the British Empire– occurred at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in November 2016.
Such ceremonies are commonplace in the UK. As usual, up to 60 recipients participate to the palace ballroom or to a room in Windsor Castle, and the Lord Chamberlain calls them one by one. The Queenor another member of the royal family who represents it, places the award on the person and congratulates them briefly. In particular, the title of commander of the British Empire seeks to reward contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charities and welfare organizations, and public service.
Every detail of the ceremony is carefully kept in line with tradition, from the two Gurkhas that accompany the monarch to the ballroom, a practice initiated by Queen Victoria in 1876, until the interpretation of the national anthem and the call to the recipients.
But nevertheless, the ceremony starring Mahfuz Marei Mubarak was very differentas detailed in a newspaper article TheTimes.
That day, Prince Charles did not go to the ballroom but to the Blue Room of Buckingham Palacea stunning hall of hanging chandeliers and gilt-trimmed furnishings that rarely admits members of the public and has historically been used by the Queen to host world leaders.
Nor was he asked Mahfouz to share his moment with dozens of other decorated people. Instead, he was allowed to bring several members of his family to the palace with him, where they met Camilla, Charles’s wife and Duchess of Cornwall.
Mahfouz arrived with an entourage that included his two older brothers, Muhammad Y Abdullahand her teenage son.
As for the ceremony itself, Mahfouz shook handsIn an apparent departure from tradition, both Carlos and Camila, before the prince presented him with an award and a certificate signed on behalf of the Queen. His family also took photos kissing hands, sitting on priceless furniture and posing in front of an oil on canvas of King George V, as detailed by the Times.
Another striking detail of the ceremony: unlike many investitures that take place throughout the year, Mahfouz’s was not published in the official list of royal engagements.
But nevertheless, everything was recorded by a photographer present at the event.
After the scandal was revealed, in September 2021, Carlos assured that he was not aware of the “money agreement for honors” closed by his collaborators and which led to the investigation by the Metropolitan Police, inquiries from English and Scottish regulators and the resignation of Fawcett.
However, details of the ceremony and other evidence revealed by British media showed that the future king had much more ties with Mahfouz than was thought and he himself admitted.
As revealed TheSundayTimes, In addition to private investiture, Prince Charles participated in numerous private meetings with Mahfouzwrote a letter and even sent the Saudi businessman a gift.
The first meeting between Charles and Mahfouz took place on March 27, 2014 in Clarence House, the official residence of the prince. They also attended Fawcett and a man who acted as a mediator for the Saudi businessman. According to him Timesdiscussed the restoration of Dumfries Housethe 18th-century Ayrshire mansion where Carlos stays four times a year, and the possibility that Saudi Arabia may donate a seven-figure sum to him. Mahfouz confirmed that he had every intention of doing so.
Days later, the mediator put the proposed association in writing: for the sum of 1 million pounds, Carlos would rename the newly restored gardens at Dumfries House as “Mahfouz Garden”. The mediator added that the continued “building of friendships” would lead to exclusive access to the prince and “other very special personal and individual honors based on our conversation”, adding: “These are, at this stage, too sensitive to mention here.”
Charles then sent a letter of thanks to Mahfouz and even a gift, a miniature carriage clock. Carlos’ office did not say who produced the gift or how much it cost, saying he sent the letter and gift at the behest of Dumfries House, an institution then run by Fawcett.
Mahfouz began donations a month after the meeting, becoming in one of the main donors of the Prince’s Foundation. British media put a total of 1.5 million pounds ($2 million) in donations, including substantial support for the Castle of Mei, another of the properties that Carlos owns in Scotland. In Dumfries Househis contribution was recognized with a “Mahfouz Fountain” in the garden. At Castle of Meiwhere it is said that he paid for the renovation of the windows, an area of forest was called Mahfouz Wood.
In addition, the businessman received the access and recognition that he had been promised, including invitations to meet with the queen, Prince Philip and Charles.
In 2015, when Carlos embarked on an official tour of the Middle East, including a visit to meet the Saudi royal family. In this travel the prince took the opportunity to visit his new friend. On February 11, Charles and Fawcett arrived at the British Embassy to meet him and his extended family.
The prince’s office said the purpose of the meeting was Discuss “shared charitable interests.”
Less than 24 hours after that meeting, the British Foreign Office finally responded to the prince’s aides on the title for Mahfouzapologized for the delay and provided personalized advice on next steps.
The revelations will put new pressure on Carlos, 73, to provide a full description of his link to Mahfouz. Already the prince harry had intervened in the dispute by stating that he had “Expressed concerns” about Mahfouz’s motivationsbefore cutting all ties with the Saudi businessman.
Who is Mahfouz?
Mahfouz is not particularly well known in Saudi Arabia, but his family’s business, Marei Bin Mahfouz Groupoccupies the position 18th among private sector companies in the kingdom. Established in Mecca in 1965, it has diverse interests in manufacturing, services, real estate and international trade. Mahfouz, her father and three other relatives make up its board of directors.
His climb up the British social ladder began a decade ago with the purchase of a Scottish feudal title. centuries old which meant it could be legally known as the Baron of Abernethy. The title itself had no real meaning, but it may explain why he is referred to as “Lord” Mahfouz on the family business website. How much he paid is unknown, although the Scottish Barony Titles website is currently listing two others for sale: one for $114,000 and the other for $128,000.
Becoming a baron meant that Mahfouz was also entitled to his own coat of arms, a unique heraldic motif that in earlier times was displayed in battle on the owner’s shield or tabard. The design he chose featured a lion, a pair of scales, and a sword, and she had it officially registered in his name.
Mahfouz’s first known connection to the royal family was in 2012. when he established a charity called “The Mahfouz Foundation” and somehow managed to recruit the queen’s cousin, the Prince Michael of Kentas your sponsor.
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Source-www.infobae.com