Prince Charles is reigning the headlines after finding himself embroiled in a major art scandal – a tale sure to keep The Crown devotees enthralled until season three graces our screens.
WATCH BELOW: Prince Charles “Reduced To Tears” By Prince William Interview
In news that has rocked Buckingham Palace, the heir to the throne allegedly purchased over £105 million (approximately $197 million) worth of artwork – which has since been found to be fake.
According to the Daily Mail, Prince Charles invested in a painting of water lilies, believed to be by Monet, to hang up at Dumfries House in Scotland – home of The Prince’s Foundation headquarters.
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But the British tabloid has discovered that the famous artwork was actually painted at the hands of an American serial forger, not the 19th century French impressionist.
Further demonstrating his appreciation for art, Prince Charles later went on to add a further two paintings to his royal collection by Salvador Dalí and Picasso – which are also allegedly counterfeit.
American forgery heavyweight, Tony Tetro, claims to be behind the paintings and actually came forward to reveal that the artwork is fake.
“You can impress your friends with my pictures, decorate your homes with them, but they would never pass expert scrutiny,” Tetro, who was once sentenced to six months in prison for art forgery, told the tabloid.
So how did the paintings end up at the 18th century royal residence?
According to the artist, British businessman James Stunt, who declared bankruptcy earlier this year, purchased all three several years ago and later went on to loan them to Dumfries House.
“There is no question about it: James knew [the paintings] were mine,” Tetro continued, accusing Stunt of conning Prince Charles.
Amid speculation, the paintings in question – alongside 14 others loaned from Stunt on a decade-long lease – have since been taken down from public view.
A spokesperson for the Prince’s Foundation has since released an official statement in response to the scandal.
“Dumfries House accepts artwork on loan from time to time from individuals and organizations such as the Scottish National Gallery,” the statement reads.
“It is extremely regrettable that the authenticity of these particular few paintings, which are no longer on display, now appears to be in doubt.”
Prince Charles is reigning the headlines after finding himself embroiled in a major art scandal – a tale sure to keep The Crown devotees enthralled until season three graces our screens.
WATCH BELOW: Prince Charles “Reduced To Tears” By Prince William Interview
Prince Charles is reigning the headlines after finding himself embroiled in a major art scandal – a tale sure to keep The Crown devotees enthralled until season three graces our screens.
WATCH BELOW: Prince Charles “Reduced To Tears” By Prince William Interview
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