Former palace footman Michael Fawcett heads up Prince’s Foundation

Michael Fawcett has become chief executive of the new Prince’s Foundation, which will include organisations that promote the built environment, heritage, culture and education.

Mr Fawcett started working for the palace when he was 17 as a footman to the Queen and went on to become Charles’ assistant valet.

Most recently he was chief executive of the Dumfries House Trust, which will now be part of the Prince’s Foundation.

Chair of the foundation Jayne-Anne Gadhia said they were “thrilled” to have him on board.

Mr Fawcett’s salary is believed to be between £85,000 to £90,000.

In 2003, he was accused of selling unwanted royal gifts and taking a percentage of the money but was cleared by an internal inquiry of financial misconduct.

It found Mr Fawcett did “infringe internal rules relating to gifts from suppliers” but could not be severely criticised because the rules were not enforced and he made no secret of such gifts.

He resigned but continued to work alongside the prince and became a trusted adviser.

His events business, Premier Mode, organises parties and events both for Charles and other members of the Royal Family.

It is understood Premier Mode will not supply services to the Prince’s Foundation.

It comes as Clarence House announced a reorganisation of Prince Charles’ charities, to make sure they are operating in the most efficient way.

As well as the new Prince’s Foundation, the UK-based Prince’s Trust and four international organisations will be merged into the Prince’s Trust group.

Prince Charles will take on a new role as Royal Founding Patron for his charities not covered under the new groupings.

The palace says it is not an attempt to free up more of his time for official duties on behalf of the Queen.

In a video message to his charities, the prince alluded to his 70th birthday in November this year and said it was a chance to reflect.

He said: “I have a strong sense of optimism and anticipation for what more may be achieved. These changes do not mean I am stepping back from my charitable work or downsizing in any way – it is simply an opportunity to work more efficiently and, I hope, to even greater effect.

“I look forward to many more years of building on the important work that has been achieved to date.”

Prince Charles carries out approximately 600 engagements a year and the palace says there are no plans to reduce that in the coming year.