Aide’s exit seen as necessary step on Charles’s path to crown

Analysis: Clarence House will be hoping to draw a line under potentially toxic cash-for-honours claims

After 40 years at his master's side, Michael Fawcett's resignation as the head of Prince Charles's charitable arm amid an alleged cash-for-honours scandal is a blow for the heir to the throne.

The announcement that the one-time valet, 59, has decided to step down from The Prince's Foundation before the outcome of an inquiry into the claims is seen by royal observers as a necessary step on Charles's road to the crown.