Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, the ambitious environmental initiative, is facing increased scrutiny following revelations linking a founding partner to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The anti-monarchy group Republic has formally reported the charity to the UK’s Charity Commission, citing newly released evidence from U.S. Department of Justice files.
At the center of the controversy is Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the CEO of DP World, a multinational logistics company and one of the initial partners supporting the Earthshot Prize when it launched in . The recently unsealed Epstein files reportedly contain an email from Epstein to Sulayem, dated April , while Epstein was serving a prison sentence in Florida. The email, as shared by Republic, reads: “Where are you? are you ok , I loved the torture video.”
Republic alleges that DP World has donated at least $1.3 million to the Earthshot Prize. Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, released a statement emphasizing the need for answers. “William has lots of questions to answer about what he knew about Andrew and Epstein,” Smith said, referencing Prince William’s uncle, Prince Andrew, who has also faced scrutiny over his association with Epstein. “And now he must explain his relationship with Sulayem.”
The Earthshot Prize was conceived as a high-profile effort to incentivize and reward innovative solutions to environmental challenges, awarding five £1 million prizes annually. Prince William actively recruits partners for the organization, and DP World’s involvement was publicly acknowledged, including a photographed meeting between Prince William and Sulayem at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Showcase in Dubai in .
While Prince William himself is not named in the Epstein files, the connection through a key partner raises questions about due diligence and the vetting process for donors. Ian Pelham Turner, a royals expert, suggested to Fox News Digital that the move by Republic is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the monarchy. “I think it is a bit of a stretch though to suggest the Epstein debacle that Sultan Ahmed donated money through this connection,” Turner said. “The money has now been donated to the prizewinning recipients in a proper manner and so I feel Republic is seeking any mud to stick to the Royal family to maximize their strategy that the Royal family should be a thing of the past and dissolved.”
Representatives for Buckingham Palace and the Earthshot Prize have not yet responded to requests for comment. The Charity Commission has confirmed it received the report from Republic and will be assessing the information.
The timing of these revelations comes as the Epstein case continues to generate headlines, with further documents released and scrutiny intensifying on individuals connected to the disgraced financier. The situation echoes past controversies surrounding Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles due to his association with Epstein.
Hilary Fordwich, a British royals expert, pointed to a recent statement from Prince William and Kate Middleton expressing their concern over the ongoing revelations in the Epstein case. “This is a clear indication of Prince William’s leadership skills, getting out in front of this issue, doing what is right, which is to be focusing on the plight of victims,” Fordwich stated.
The Earthshot Prize has positioned itself as a leading voice in environmental advocacy, and any association with individuals linked to Epstein could damage its reputation and undermine its credibility. The outcome of the Charity Commission’s investigation will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the future of the organization and its ability to attract funding and support.
Smith further questioned the level of scrutiny applied to DP World’s donation. “Did they do that here? If so, did William overrule their better judgment?” he asked. The questions raised by Republic highlight the increasing pressure on high-profile individuals and organizations to demonstrate transparency and accountability in their financial dealings, particularly when those dealings involve individuals with controversial pasts.
The unfolding situation underscores the enduring impact of the Epstein scandal and its ability to reach into unexpected corners of public life. As the investigation progresses, the Earthshot Prize and Prince William will likely face continued scrutiny and calls for a thorough explanation of their relationship with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and DP World.
