A spokesperson for Prince Charles has confirmed that nearly 200 members of staff working for The Prince’s Foundation had been furloughed, however the heir to the throne is privately funding their salaries - rather than turning to the government’s furlough scheme.
It was reported by the Daily Mail over the weekend that ‘salaried staff’ working for the Prince would receive 100% of their wages, whereas ‘variable hours employees’ would receive 80% - all of which would be funded by The Prince’s Foundation.
The government’s scheme sees furloughed employees earn 80% of their wages, funded by taxpayer money.
Other companies such as Victoria Beckham’s namesake fashion brand have applied to the scheme.
The spokesperson said, “The Prince's Foundation has put a number of staff on furlough. However, it is not accessing financial support from the Government's job retention scheme.”
“Where possible, some staff are continuing to work from home. The Prince's Foundation is paying the salaries of its staff,” they continued.
It is also believed that Michael Fawcett, who leads The Prince’s Foundation, has taken a pay cut.
The Prince’s Foundation was created in 2018 - merging together a number of organisations under Prince Charles' remit - with the aim to ‘champion a sustainable approach to how we live our lives and build our homes.’
The charity also oversees properties such as Dumfries House and the Castle of Mey, which contribute to funds via visits, events and fees according to the Daily Mail.
With many royal properties closed to the public over the lockdown period, a Royal Collection Trust spokesperson said to the Daily Mail that there were “no plans to furlough Royal Household colleagues.”
“Recruitment for summer staff is ongoing but, as it is uncertain when the residences might reopen to the public, this is being kept under review,” they continued.
