Scandal Hits Charity Polo: Donor Allegedly Selling Access to Prince William and Kate
Prince William‘s charity polo match has cut ties with a donor who was allegedly attempting to use the event to sell access to him and Kate Middleton.
On June 28, The Sunday Times reported that millionaire Minerva Mondejar Steiner—whose Mondejar Gallery had been a sponsor of William’s Royal Charity Polo Cup—allegedly sought to offer private meetings with the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, in exchange for donations.
According to its website, the Mondejar Gallery was founded by Mondejar Steiner in 2008 and describes itself as “a distinguished platform for contemporary art,” with offices in Switzerland, London, the Philippines and Sydney. It also notes philanthropic support from the Mondejar Foundation.
Following the publication of the allegations, swift action was taken. While there was no relationship between the Royal Charity Polo Cup and the Mondejar Foundation, PEOPLE confirms that organizers had entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Mondejar Gallery and are now in the process of terminating that arrangement.
Prince William’s charitable team was not aware of the Mondejar Foundation, nor of its attempts to solicit donations through an exclusive networking group called A Small World by offering access to the royal couple via the polo event.
Mondejar Steiner declined to comment for The Sunday Times. PEOPLE has independently reached out to her for a response.
The controversy began with a report published Saturday by The Sunday Times, which revealed that the Mondejar Foundation had allegedly offered access to Prince William and Princess Kate in exchange for a donation.
According to the outlet, a screenshot of an email reportedly sent to members of the exclusive networking group A Small World pitched a “private audience” with the royal couple for approximately $27,362. The offer was tied to an invitation to the Royal Charity Polo Cup, reportedly scheduled for Friday, July 11 in Windsor.
“As patron of the Mondejar Foundation, you’re invited to support their philanthropic work through a charitable donation, in return for which you will be welcomed to this prestigious occasion,” the email said, according to The Sunday Times. “Hosted in the presence of members of the British Royal Family, and supported by the Mondejar Foundation, this highly exclusive gathering unites leading figures from philanthropy, fashion, the arts, and culture for a truly unforgettable day.”
With highlights including “free-flowing champagne” and “VIP polo matches in an intimate setting,” the email listed “patron contributions” of about $8,208 as “admission for one patron” and $27,362 as including “full access plus a private audience with Prince William and Princess Catherine.”
According to the outlet, Mondejar Steiner’s team also proffered the opportunity to meet Prince William to potential advertisers, which would be featured in a magazine distributed to everyone attending the polo match.
For about $68,406, advertisers could buy a double-page spread with two “VVIP tickets” for seats at the match and “access to the royals.”
The Royal Charity Polo Match is a high-profile fundraiser for charities close to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ hearts and an event Prince William has participated in for years. To date, the prestigious polo match has raised over $17 million for causes that William and Kate are passionate about and is an informal staple on their summer calendars.
