Prince Charles' top aide sensationally QUITS over 'cash for honours' probe

PRINCE Charles’ top aide has dramatically quit over the "cash for honours" inquiry.

Michael Fawcett has resigned from his post as chief executive of The Prince’s Foundation and is said to be “heartbroken” and “shattered” by the events.

It is also understood his private contract to organise events for Charles has been severed.

It comes after reports Fawcett offered to help a billionaire Saudi donor to the prince’s charity secure a knighthood and British citizenship.

Pals said the scandal – which broke in early September – has had a “devastating” effect on the 59-year-old and he has only now felt well enough to make a decision about his future.

It is understood he is not seeking to preempt an official investigation into the claims, which has yet to report back.

One pal said: “Michael has resigned and he will never be coming back. He has lost five stone in weight and is a shadow of his former self."

A spokesman for The Prince’s Foundation confirmed: “Michael Fawcett has resigned from his post as CEO of The Prince’s Foundation.’”

Clarence House also confirmed it would be severing its connection to Fawcett and his events company, Premier Mode.

A spokesman said: "Michael Fawcett and Premier Mode will not be providing services to us in the future. We have all agreed to end these arrangements."

For 40 years, Mr Fawcett was the man Charles famously could not live without.

He announced he would “temporarily” step down from his post while the matter was probed – but has decided to make that decision permanent, even before the findings have been revealed.

A letter showed Fawcett was "willing and happy" to help Dr Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz get a knighthood and citizenship after he coughed up £1.5million.

Charles awarded the billionaire with a CBE and named a woodland at a Scottish castle in his honour.

Former Lib Dem MP and Privy Counsellor Norman Baker and campaign group Republic both named Prince Charles in their complaints to The Met Police.

The Sun exclusively revealed a special team of top cops, dubbed the "celebrity squad" as they probe high-profile suspects, had been assigned to the case.

NO COMING BACK

Douglas Connell stepped down as chairman of The Prince's Foundation following fresh claims the charity accepted a six-figure sum from a Russian donor.

Executive director Chris Martin also temporarily "stepped down" pending the outcome of the investigation into the claim.

Fawcett was followed by scandal during his career and forced to resign twice after being accused of bullying staff and selling unwanted royal gifts.

But he later went on to bag a £95,000 a year role as chief executive of Charles' charity.

Pals insisted the59-year-old had been a "loyal and faithful servant" to the Prince, but sources said he will have no more dealings with him now.

"That is absolutely clear. He’s not coming back in any way, shape or form, that cannot be stressed enough.

"The report hasn’t been finished yet. It is his decision and his decision alone, and he is not pre-empting anything that may or may not be found."

Charles is said to be informed about his longtime companion's decision and feels "sadness" regarding the circumstances.

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