The Prince of Wales has ended ties with Michael Fawcett, a royal aide of more than 40 years, following an alleged cash-for-honours scandal. Mr Fawcett, 59, resigned as chief executive of The Prince's Foundation earlier this week and his event planning firm will no longer work for the royal household.

       Charles, 73, has denied any knowledge of the alleged scandal.

       Royal commentator Peter Hunt has insisted the royals will be looking to put the matter to bed as the heir-apparent waits to succeed his mother on the throne.

       Reacting to the departure of Mr Fawcett, Mr Hunt tweeted: “Palace officials will be keen to present this as Charles drawing a line under his past as he prepares for kingship.

       “They’ll be less keen to talk about the size of the severance package given to the servant who once squeezed his master’s toothpaste.”

       Mr Fawcett had temporarily stepped down as chief executive of The Prince's Foundation in September - and at the time Clarence House said Charles had "no knowledge of the alleged offer of honours or British citizenship on the basis of donation to his charities".

       On Thursday, a Clarence House spokesperson said it was ending arrangements with Mr Fawcett and his party planning company Premier Mode.

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

       Prince Charles celebrates his 73rd birthday today and the occasion has been marked with a new photograph showing him sitting on a bench at Highgrove.

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       He is spending the morning attending the annual Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph.

       Charles will lay a wreath on the top step of the Cenotaph on the Queen's behalf – something he had done since 2017.

       The Queen has not attended the event in central London due to a back injury, Buckingham Palace said.

       The Queen, 95, was due to watch the ceremony from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

       In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today's Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph.

       "Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service.

       "As in previous years, a wreath will be laid on Her Majesty's behalf by the Prince of Wales.

       "His Royal Highness, along with the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra will be present at the Cenotaph today as planned."