The heir apparent, Prince Charles, has accepted a £1 million donation from the half-brothers of terrorist Osama bin Laden. As the Sunday Times reported on Sunday, the money went to the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund he founded. It’s not the first time Prince Charles has been criticized for making a donation.
Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son met Saudi businessman Bakr bin Laden in October 2013 at his London residence, Clarence House. Several advisers had asked the 73-year-old not to accept or repay the money. Charles ignored her concerns that the donation could damage his reputation, writes the Sunday Times.
Osama bin Laden was the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States that left thousands dead, including 67 British. He was killed by US special forces in Pakistan on May 2, 2011. However, there is no evidence that Bakr bin Laden and his brother Shafiq were involved in the assassination or support terrorism.
Ian Cheshire, head of Charles’ foundation, said all five trustees had approved the donation. An unnamed source at Clarence House told the Sunday Times advisers they were not baffled by the payment, nor did Charles “roar” their concerns. The decision to accept was solely up to the trustees.
Vortex about donation money in suitcase
It’s not the first time Charles has been criticized for donating to his foundation. Just a few weeks ago, the “Sunday Times” reported that Queen Elizabeth’s son accepted a total of three million euros in cash from the ex-Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim Al Thani, between 2011 and 2015. A million was in a suitcase and other amounts in shopping bags from a well-known luxury department store.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
