Earthshot Prize Faces Scrutiny Over Links to Alleged Epstein Ally
The Earthshot Prize, the global environmental initiative founded by Prince William, has come under scrutiny following a formal complaint lodged with the UK Charity Commission. The controversy centers on the charity’s business relationship with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chairman and CEO of DP World, who has been named in newly released documents associated with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The complaint was filed by Republic, a British anti-monarchy campaign group, which has called for a “full and comprehensive investigation” into the matter. At the heart of the issue is DP World’s status as a “Founding Partner” of the Earthshot Prize. The Dubai-based logistics company has reportedly donated at least £1 million to the environmental award scheme since its inception.
According to the complaint, scrutiny arose after unsealed documents from the U.S. Department of Justice revealed correspondence between Epstein and bin Sulayem. Reports indicate that in April 2009, while Epstein was serving a custodial sentence in Florida, he sent an email to bin Sulayem asking, “Where are you? Are you ok, I loved the torture video.” Additional correspondence from 2013 and 2015 has also been cited in the reports.
Graham Smith, the chief executive of Republic, stated that the Earthshot Prize had a duty to perform due diligence regarding its donors. “William has lots of questions to answer about what he knew,” Smith said, urging the Prince to explain his relationship with the DP World chief. Prince William and bin Sulayem have been photographed together previously, including a meeting in Dubai in February 2022 to promote the Earthshot initiative.
In response to the developing situation, a spokesperson for the Charity Commission confirmed receipt of the complaint. “We are aware of concerns about sources of funding to The Earthshot Prize,” the regulator stated. “We are assessing this information to determine any next steps and if there is a role for the Commission.”
As of this report, neither Kensington Palace nor The Earthshot Prize has issued a detailed public comment addressing the specific allegations regarding the donor’s background. The development comes at a sensitive time for the Royal Family, following previous public scrutiny regarding Prince Andrew’s associations with Epstein.
* ground.news
* indiatimes.com
* republic.org.uk
* itv.com
* jang.com.pk
* geo.tv
* complex.com
* youtube.com
* thenational.scot
