Prince William’s Earthshot Faces Charity Commission Review
Questions have been raised about The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, after a corporate partner linked to the organisation was cited in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, prompting scrutiny from the charity regulator.
ITV News reported that the Charity Commission said it is “aware of concerns about sources of funding to The Earthshot Prize” and is assessing the information “to determine any next steps and if there is a role for the Commission.”
The concerns centre on emails that appear to be from Mr Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and chief executive of DP World, to Epstein, according to the broadcaster. DP World is listed as a partner on Earthshot’s website, and Mr bin Sulayem previously said in an October 2020 statement on DP World’s website that the company was “proud to be a Global Alliance Founding Partner” of the prize.
In February 2022, Prince William was photographed with Mr bin Sulayem at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Showcase at Expo 2020 Dubai, during the Prince’s tour of the United Arab Emirates, while campaign group Republic said it has submitted a formal complaint to the regulator amid calls for answers about funding sources.
Earthshot declined to comment on the developments, ITV News said, as the Charity Commission continues to consider the information provided and whether further action is required.
