The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the charity foundation of King Charles has agreed to take millions of pounds in donations from Qatar.
According to insiders, the Prince’s Foundation would earn an estimated £4.5 million over the next three years as part of the agreement with the World Cup hosts.
The charity is already embroiled in a “pay for honors” scandal, which is being investigated by the authorities.
As Qatar confronts international censure for its abhorrent human rights record, the fresh discoveries will heighten concerns regarding the foundation’s management.
After ascending to the throne, the King stated he would have far less time to be actively involved with the charity.
The Mail on Sunday can also reveal that on Wednesday, the King visited a Prince’s Foundation project at the Qatari-owned Chelsea Barracks in central London in a blacked-out Range Rover.
Taking what are rumored to be annual payments of £1.5 million from the Qataris for the next three years can only raise additional questions about the King’s charity and how it is funded.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Qatar’s homophobic laws and discrimination against women have come under investigation.
The regime is also accused for the deaths of thousands of migrant workers who constructed the stadiums for the tournament.
Although he is president of the Football Association, Prince William has decided not to attend the matches of England and Wales in the tournament.
The King’s visit to the Chelsea Barracks on Wednesday was not mentioned in the Court Circular, the official list of activities attended by members of the Royal Family.
The funds from the Highgrove Shop are donated directly to the Prince’s Foundation, whose headquarters are located at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Previously, the proceeds from the stores were sent to the Prince’s Fund, a separate philanthropic organization with ties to the King.
A Palace source told The Mail on Sunday, “His Majesty The King made a quick visit to the Highgrove Christmas shop to see some of the producers and artisans whose items are marketed on behalf of The Prince’s Foundation and other sponsors.”
The King’s unannounced visit to one of the businesses in the Qatari complex is sure to raise questions because it indicates his continued personal engagement.
During his first address to the nation following his accession to the throne, King Charles stated that his life would change as he assumed his new responsibilities.
The queen said, “I shall no longer be able to devote so much of my time and energy to the causes and organizations that I feel so profoundly about.”
However, I am confident that this vital effort will continue in the capable hands of others.
It was believed that Charles would transfer his charitable responsibilities, especially at The Prince’s Foundation.
This year it came to light that, when he was still the Prince of Wales, the King accepted payment from a controversial Qatari sheikh on behalf of the organization.
Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, often known as HBJ, made three contributions of €1 million between 2011 and 2015.
The sheikh is said to have sent Charles the first installment of €1 million in 2011, packaged in carrier bags from the upscale retailer Fortnum & Mason.
In 2015, the King accepted a briefcase carrying an additional €1 million from the Sheik during a secret meeting at Clarence House.
On another occasion, a suitcase containing an additional €1 million was personally presented to Prince Charles, bringing the total donations to over £2.5 million.
Each payment was properly recorded and deposited into the charity’s bank account.
The Prince’s Foundation also got a £1 million donation from Osama Bin Laden’s brothers, Bakr and Shafiq.
Michael Fawcett was forced to resign from his position as chief executive of the Prince’s Foundation after The Mail on Sunday published a letter in which he pledged to assist a wealthy Saudi donor in obtaining a knighthood and British citizenship.
Under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act of 1925, the police initiated an inquiry and questioned two men under caution.
Now, the Crown Prosecution Service has received a file for “early investigative guidance.”
Before being authorized, all donations made to The Prince’s Foundation in support of its activities are subject to a rigorous process of due diligence, according to a foundation spokesperson.
“Trustees always work in the best interests of the organization, which relies on donations to fund its philanthropic activities.
It should be noted that the charity publishes independently audited and publicly available annual financial statements.
»Qatar has agreed to donate £4.5 million to the King Charles Charity«