Prince William Cuts Ties With Millionaire Accused of Selling £21k 'Access Passes' to Meet Him at Polo Match

Prince William has cut ties with a wealthy donor who allegedly attempted to sell private access to the future king for £21,000 ($27,000) . The donor in question is Minerva Mondejar Steiner, a Filipina-Swiss art curator.

She reportedly offered private meetings with the Prince and Princess of Wales at the upcoming Royal Charity Polo Cup match. The scandal has fuelled accusations of cash-for-access and prompted fresh questions about royal fundraising ethics.

Allegations Surface Over £21k Private Meetings

Steiner, a 45-year-old millionaire, heads the Mondejar Gallery in Switzerland. The gallery was acting as an official sponsor of the annual polo event, initially set to take place in Windsor, England, next month.

While the partnership appeared harmless at first, Steiner allegedly had another motive. She offered prospective buyers tiered access in exchange for large donations.

The New York Post reported attempts to contact the Mondejar Gallery, Mondejar Foundation and Kensington Palace for comment. Sources close to Steiner claimed she could not speak about the event until it had taken place due to a confidentiality agreement.

In her invitations, labelled 'strictly private and confidential', Steiner addressed members of 'A Small World', a luxury travel and lifestyle community.

Her email read: 'As a patron of the Mondejar Foundation, you are invited to support their philanthropic work through a charitable donation, in return for which you will be welcomed to this prestigious occasion.'

The email outlined contribution levels, including admission for one patron at £6,300 ($8,000). Another tier offered full access and a private audience with Prince William and Princess Catherine for £21,000 ($27,000).

Steiner also offered 'VVIP tickets' to advertisers willing to pay £53,700 ($68,000) for a magazine feature distributed during the fundraiser.

Attendees were also promised a luncheon with 'free-flowing champagne', entry to an art exhibition and opportunities to network with 'ultra-high-net-worth individuals, cultural icons and luxury leaders'.

Recipients were warned that the invitation was 'for your eyes only and not to be shared publicly or on social media'.

Palace Response: Immediate Sponsorship Cut

Kensington Palace responded swiftly, stating that Prince William did not condone Steiner's actions. The Palace thanked the publication for exposing the issue and requested that the club sever ties with its former sponsor.

Despite the backlash, Prince William's role in the event remains unchanged. Organisers confirmed the match will proceed as planned, with the Prince attending and managing standard donor receptions.

Kensington Palace insisted that its vetting process, handled in coordination with Buckingham Palace, will be reviewed. The monarchy now faces renewed pressure to ensure private fundraising does not cross ethical lines.

Critics have called for greater transparency, warning that royal fundraising risks becoming too entangled with private sponsorships.