Prince William’s Earthshot Prize Faces Scrutiny Over Epstein-Linked Donor Questions

Newly discovered royal ties to the late billionaire sex offender are being called into question

NEED TO KNOW

• Prince William’s Earthshot Prize is facing scrutiny over a founding partner’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein
• The anti-monarchy group Republic reported Earthshot to the Charity Commission after it was revealed that Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, is implicated in new Epstein evidence
• “Sulayem and William have been seen together on more than one occasion, with Sulayem showing his direct support for the charity,” Republic wrote in their press release

Another member of the British royal family is being scrutinized for their ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Prince William's Earthshot Prize has been reported to the Charity Commission by the anti-monarchy group Republic, they announced on Wednesday, Feb. 11. While the Prince of Wales is the public face of Earthshot, he had founding partners in starting the environment-focused charity in 2020, one of whom was DP World, a multibillion-dollar company based in Dubai.

As Republic noted in a press release, the CEO of DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, is implicated in newly revealed evidence from the Epstein files.

In an April 2009 email recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Epstein wrote, "where are you? are you ok I loved the torture video." The recipient of the email was previously redacted, but after members of Congress were permitted to view unredacted evidence this week, Rep. Thomas Massie confirmed the email was sent to Sulayem.

Republic wrote on its website that DP World was a "founding partner" of the Earthshot Prize and has donated at least $1.3 million to the organization, adding that "Sulayem and William have been seen together on more than one occasion, with Sulayem showing his direct support for the charity."

"The seriousness of this matter requires a full and comprehensive investigation," Republic stated.

Republic's CEO, Graham Smith, said in a statement, "William has lots of questions to answer about what he knew about Andrew and Epstein. And now he must explain his relationship with Sulayem."

"It is not credible to believe the Foreign Office, security services or other advisors were not aware of Sulayem's character and would have been able to advise accordingly," he continued. "These files have been in the hands of U.S. authorities for years. It's not believable that such intelligence would not have been shared. Earthshot has a duty to do due diligence, to ask questions about donors and where money is coming from. Did they do that here? If so, did William overrule their better judgment?"

"In the context of this widening scandal, we need answers," Smith added.

"We are aware of concerns about sources of funding to The Earthshot Prize," a Charity Commission spokesperson said in a statement to ITV on Wednesday, Feb. 11. "We are assessing this information to determine any next steps and if there is a role for the Commission.”

The Earthshot Prize did not have a comment when reached by PEOPLE.

PEOPLE understands Earthshot is talking with the DP World management team over the matter.

This latest Epstein link comes just days after the former Prince Andrew was yet again tied to the late sex offender through newly released evidence, in a complaint that was also reported by Republic.

The anti-monarchy group lodged a complaint with the Thames Valley Police last week, regarding evidence that suggests that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein during his role as a trade envoy. In the wake of the news, King Charles broke his silence on his younger brother, who was stripped of his royal titles in the fall.

"The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct," a statement from Buckingham Palace, released on Feb. 9, said.

"While the specific claims in question are for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect," it continued.

"As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse," the palace concluded.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! 

Prince William, 44, was also questioned about Andrew by a reporter this week during his state visit to Saudi Arabia. While he avoided answering at the time, he and his wife, Kate Middleton, previously released a statement via a spokesperson on Feb. 8 that read, “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."

Read the full article here