King Charles’s Charity Chief Steps Down as Turmoil Deepens

It is no longer a whisper from Whitehall. It is official. The King’s Foundation has confirmed that Kristina Murrin CBE will step down as chief executive after three years in post. The announcement was published on the charity’s own website on February 26, framing her departure as a natural transition following the premiere of the documentary Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision.

The timing, however, raises eyebrows.

Palace language cannot mask instability

“After three years at The King’s Foundation, Kristina Murrin CBE is to step down as CEO following the hugely successful premiere of the landmark documentary feature film ‘Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision’. Kristina leaves with the sincere thanks and best wishes of the board and the wider leadership of The King’s Foundation, having led the charity through an exciting period of expansion. The process to appoint a successor is underway. In the meantime, at the request of the board, Emily Cherrington LVO, Deputy CEO of The King’s Foundation, has agreed to lead the organisation.” – The King’s Foundation

The statement praises Murrin for leading the organisation through an “exceptionally busy time,” highlighting expansion into Australia, a rebrand and the production of the King-focused documentary that premiered at Windsor Castle. Acting chair Michael Jary thanked her for leaving the charity “in an extremely strong position.” That is the official line.

But this confirmation lands just weeks after chairman Ann Limb quietly exited amid controversy over false claims about holding a PhD. Two senior departures in quick succession signal more than routine turnover. They point to continuing turbulence at the King’s flagship charity.

The shadow of past scandals lingers

This is the same foundation that faced years of scrutiny over cash-for-honours allegations. Regulators opened investigations. Police examined the handling of donations. Regulators criticised past governance and donor handling, though OSCR did not find trustee misconduct. No charges followed, but the reputational damage stuck. Murrin was brought in to steady that reputation. Now the board must appoint yet another leader.

The foundation says deputy chief executive Emily Cherrington will take the reins in the interim while a successor is sought. That may ensure operational continuity. It does not erase the optics.

The King’s distance looks fragile

Sources said the King planned to step back and let the foundation embody his vision of “harmony” without his constant presence. That distance now looks theoretical. Each setback pulls the Crown straight back into the frame.

This departure is confirmed. Replacing a chief executive will not resolve the deeper issue. The King must persuade the public that his flagship charity is stable, compliant and free from blurred lines of influence.

The wider family faces similar questions. Prince William has faced criticism for retaining a £1 million Earthshot Prize donation from Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Emirati billionaire named in unsealed 2026 Jeffrey Epstein documents as a close associate. Reports indicate William was warned about bin Sulayem in 2022 and continued regardless, prompting calls for the funds to be returned on ethical grounds.

When royal projects depend on major donors, governance standards must be beyond reproach. Anything less keeps the monarchy in a cycle of reputational damage it claims to want to escape.