The Prince of Wales is facing heavy criticism for his alleged involvement in receiving over $3 million in cash from a former prime minister of Qatar, for his charity.
This following a recent report from news agency Times of London in the United Kingdom, which claimed that between 2011 and 2015, Prince Charles “personally accepted three bundles of cash” from Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani which were deposited into the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund (PWCF).
According to the Times of London, one of the bundles amounted to over $1 million and was allegedly stuffed into a suitcase. On another occasion some $1.05 million was reportedly stuffed into carrier bags from his luxury department store that possesses a royal charter which provides the prince with groceries and tea.
A subsequent article from global news agency Insider revealed that on Monday June, 27, Clarence House – Prince Charles royal residence – denied any wrongdoing in the prince’s actions.
The statement said, “Charitable donations received from Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim were passed immediately to one of the Prince’s charities who carried out the appropriate governance and have assured us that all the correct processes were followed.”
Further investigations by Insider found that the gift guidelines and procedures on the official royal website for members of the royal family did not outline any information relating to members collecting cash donations.
Instead, it said members of the royal family “are allowed to accept a cheque as a patron of, or on behalf of a charity with which they are associated with (often for publicity purposes).”
It added, “[members of the royal family] should never accept gifts of money, or money equivalent, in connection with an official engagement or duty. If not capable of being returned, money should be donated directly to a charity nominated by the Member of the Royal Family.”
A possible inquiry into Prince Charles’ donations
Insider further said that the UK’s government regulator for charitable organisations, the Charity Commission, informed them that they are aware of reports regarding donations received by Prince Charles’ Charitable Foundation.
“We will review the information to determine whether there is any role for the Commission in this matter,” the Charity Commission stated.
If the commission detects any reason to further investigate the matter, it will be the second time that Prince Charles has found himself being questioned for such matters.
According to Insider, this could result in a possible inquiry into the prince’s charitable donations.