Prince William Cuts Ties With Wealthy Donor Accused of Selling Access for $27,000 at Royal Charity Event

Prince William has severed ties with a wealthy donor who allegedly attempted to sell access to the royal for an eye-popping $27,000

Prince William has severed ties with Filipina-Swiss art curator and millionaire Minerva Mondejar Steiner after she was accused of attempting to sell exclusive access to him and Princess Catherine in exchange for large sums of money ahead of a high-profile royal charity polo event.

Steiner, 45, who heads the Mondejar Gallery in Switzerland, served as the official sponsor of the upcoming Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor, England. However, she allegedly offered private meetings with the Prince and Princess of Wales to prospective donors for up to $27,000, in a pay-to-meet scheme that triggered immediate action from the Palace.

Minerva Mondejar Steiner, a Filipina-Swiss art gallery curator, allegedly offered private meetings with the royals at the upcoming Royal Charity Polo Cup match in exchange for cash

According to internal communications, Steiner sent a “strictly private and confidential” invitation to members of A Small World, a luxury travel and lifestyle network, requesting charitable donations in return for access to the royal couple at the exclusive fundraiser. The event invitation offered admission tiers, starting at $8,000 for basic patron access, and up to $27,000 for a private audience with Prince William and Princess Catherine. Additionally, Steiner pitched “VVIP tickets” for $68,000, which included brand advertising in a print magazine distributed at the event.

Kensington Palace was reportedly unaware of Steiner’s fundraising tactics and terminated her sponsorship once her actions were discovered. The royal household enforces strict privacy and ethical standards around royal engagements, especially at events like the Royal Charity Polo Cup, which is traditionally invite-only and tightly controlled.

Steiner specifically offered private meetings with the Prince and Princess of Wales

Steiner’s invitation also detailed lavish event offerings including a champagne luncheon, access to an art exhibition, and mingling with “ultra-high-net-worth individuals, cultural icons, and luxury leaders.” Recipients of the email were explicitly warned not to share the details publicly or on social media.

While Steiner has not publicly commented, sources close to her claim she is bound by a confidentiality agreement and cannot speak about the matter until after the polo match takes place. The Mondejar Foundation and Mondejar Gallery have not issued official statements.

The palace immediately terminated the sponsorship upon learning of Steiner’s cash-for-access scheme, the outlet adds

Wealthy donors from around the globe regularly attend the Royal Charity Polo Cup, which includes a match featuring Prince William and raises significant funds for various royal charities. The annual event has generated over $18 million in charitable contributions over the past 15 years.

Kensington Palace customarily confirms royal attendance only after the event concludes, reinforcing its commitment to privacy and controlled donor engagement.

The annual fundraiser has generated more than $18 million for the charity in the last 15 years