Prince Charles has reportedly said he is willing to speak to detectives over allegations that his closest aide fixed an honour for a Saudi billionaire.
Michael Fawcett, for years a trusted ally of Prince Charles, stepped down last month amid claims he promised to help secure a CBE and British citizenship for Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz - a donor to the Prince's Foundation.
It was alleged that he paid thousands of pounds to 'fixers' with links to the prince who said they could secure him an honour in return for donations.
A probe last week concluded that Mr Fawcett did co-ordinate with 'fixers' over honours nominations for Mahfouz, who has donated more than £1.5 million to royal charities.
The Prince of Wales, 73, has insisted he had 'no knowledge' of the alleged deal, but he could still prove to be a vital witness, as he held private meetings with Dr Mahfouz at the British embassy in Saudi Arabia, in London and Scotland.
A Clarence House spokesman told The Times that Charles would 'of course' be willing to assist Scotland Yard detectives if asked to do so.
A Clarence House spokesman reportedly said Prince Charles (pictured with Michael Fawcett) would 'of course' be willing to assist Scotland Yard detectives over cash for honours scandal
Dr Mahfouz received his CBE during a private ceremony at Clarence House in 2016.
A probe into fundraising practices was ordered by the Prince's Foundation and carried out independently by auditing firm Ernst & Young.
Its conclusion, released on Thursday, found that Mr Fawcett co-ordinated with 'fixers' over honours nominations for a Saudi billionaire donor to the foundation.
Mr Fawcett was also involved in directing money from the donor's foundation to another charity of which Charles was patron, it was revealed.
The findings will be shared with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), which is examining dealings at the foundation.
Dame Sue Bruce, chair of the Prince's Foundation, described the recent crises surrounding the future king's charitable organisation as a 'difficult chapter', but said 'lessons will be learned' to ensure the charity acts with the 'utmost integrity and probity'.
Mr Fawcett stepped down last month amid the claims he promised to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for Mahfouz.
A letter also emerged, written by Mr Fawcett to Dr Mahfouz in 2017, in which he said the Prince's Foundation would be 'happy and willing' to use its influence to help him.
Michael Fawcett, for years an ally of Prince Charles, stepped down amid claims he promised to help secure a CBE and British citizenship for Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz (pictured)
A probe last week concluded that Mr Fawcett (pictured) did co-ordinate with 'fixers' over honours nominations for Mahfouz, who has donated more than £1.5 million to royal charities
Clarence House said: 'It is important to His Royal Highness that the charities which bear his name operate to the highest standards, in accordance with rules established by charity regulators.
'We are taking this opportunity to reinforce guidance to these charities, particularly in respect of their relationships with supporters.'
Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, said there was a 'glaring hole' in the investigation concerning what Charles knew about the dealings.
Clarence House has previously said the prince had 'no knowledge' of the cash for honours scandal.
Graham Smith of Republic said: 'How could a charity CEO acquire honours or meetings with Prince Charles without Charles's knowledge of what was going on?
'It isn't credible, but the charity has carefully steered clear of any questions about Charles, which leaves a glaring hole in their investigation.'
