Prince William's Earthshot Prize faces scrutiny over new Epstein claims as statement issued
More scandal for the royalsQuestions have been raised over Prince William’s Earthshot Prize amid Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s alleged links to the Epstein files.
The Earthshot Prize was launched by the Prince of Wales, 43, back in 2020. The charity aims to find innovative ways to help repair and improve the planet.
DP World, which Sultan bin Sulayem is chairman and chief executive of, is listed as one of the prize’s “founding partners” on the Earthshot Prize website.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem linked to Epstein files
Following the recent release of more than three million files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his crimes, questions have been raised about Sultan bin Sulayem’s relationship with him.
It’s been claimed that Sultan bin Sulayem was the sender of some disturbing emails to Epstein. These emails allegedly included sexist jokes.
Sultan bin Sulayem is also alleged to be the recipient of an email from Epstein back in 2009, which reportedly read: “Where are you? are you ok , I loved the torture video.” [Sic]
At the time, Epstein was still serving a 18-month sentence in a Palm Beach jail. In 2008, he had pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Charity Commission speaks out
Following the claims surrounding Sultan bin Sulayem, the Earthshot Prize has been reported to the Charity Commission by anti-monarchy group, Republic.
“We are aware of concerns about sources of funding to The Earthshot Prize,” a Charity Commission spokesperson told ITV News.
“We are assessing this information to determine any next steps and if there is a role for the Commission.”
‘Earthshot has a duty to do due diligence’
Questions may now be raised about Prince William’s relationship with Sultan bin Sulayem.
CEO of campaign group Republic, Graham Smith, said: “William has lots of questions to answer about what he knew about Andrew and Epstein. And now he must explain his relationship with Sulayem.
“Earthshot has a duty to do due diligence, to ask questions about donors and where money is coming from.”
DP World’s involvement in the prize was announced in 2020. In a statement at the time, DP World said they were “proud to be a Global Alliance Founding Partner of The Earthshot Prize”.
Sultan Bin Sulayem was also photographed alongside William in February 2022 at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Showcase at Expo2020 in Dubai. This took place during the royal’s tour of the United Arab Emirates at the time.
Royal Insider has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
The Earthshot Prize declined to comment when approached by Royal Insider.
William’s statement on Epstein
Prince William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been embroiled in scandal recently, with his links to Epstein hitting headlines again.
Andrew’s links to Epstein have been under scrutiny for some years now. The late Virginia Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
Scrutiny has intensified in recent weeks following the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice on January 30.
We are assessing this information to determine any next steps and if there is a role for the Commission.
Photos released appear to show Andrew on all fours over a fully clothed, unidentified woman, who is seen lying on the floor. No context has been given for the images. It’s also unknown when they were taken.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Earlier this week, William and Kate issued a statement amid the ongoing scandal. A spokesperson for the royal couple said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
What is Prince William's beloved Earthshot Prize?
The Earthshot Prize was founded by Prince William in 2020, aiming to find innovative ways to help repair and improve the planet.
Its mission is to find, support and celebrate "those who turn bold ideas into solutions for our planet".
What does Prince William's Earthshot Prize do?
The Prince of Wales and his Earthshot team search the world to reward those trying to create ways to help the Earth. To honour these people, they have been celebrated at an annual awards ceremony.
Each year, William and the Prize Council awards £1million to five winners – one from each Earthshot category – Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate.
This helps them develop their environmental ideas further.
The Earthshot Prize is something that William has been very passionate about.
During a speech in 2025, Prince William said: "The issues that continue to face our world are a threat to all of us. But when we unite, our momentum is unstoppable.
"The momentum to face any challenge, no matter how intimidating. The momentum to achieve truly astonishing impact faster than imagined."
William's 'fears' for his children
Prince William also spoke about his concerns over the future of the world for his children.
He is a father to Prince George, born in 2013, Princess Charlotte, born in 2015, and Prince Louis, born in 2018.
He told HELLO!: "As a father, I think constantly about the world my children will inherit.
"I want them to grow up surrounded by nature, opportunity and a sense of hope about the future. But I also know that unless we act boldly now, that future is at risk."
He added: "The Earthshot Prize is about turning the tide, about proving to our children that we are willing to fight for their tomorrow."
However, despite their statement, that hasn’t stopped the questions. The Prince of Wales was heckled by a reporter during his recent trip to Saudi Arabia this week.
“Sir, to what extent do you think the royal family has done enough around the Andrew and Epstein issue?” they asked.
It’s unclear whether William heard the question. However, he did not answer.
Read more: Sarah Ferguson’s ‘money confession to friends’ as she ‘spends time abroad’ amid Epstein scandal
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