The Earthshot Prize, Prince William's flagship environmental charity, has been formally reported to the Charity Commission following explosive revelations from newly-released emails that implicate a key founding partner in disturbing exchanges with convicted billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Founding Partner's Disturbing Correspondence
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and chief executive of global logistics giant DP World, stands accused of sending what Epstein described as a 'torture video' to the disgraced financier. DP World, which operates P&O Ferries and is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, is prominently listed as a founding partner on the Earthshot Prize website and has reportedly donated at least £1 million to the charity.
In one particularly disturbing email from April 2009, discovered within the latest tranche of documents released from the Epstein files, the convicted sex offender wrote to Mr Sulayem: 'Where are you? are you ok, I loved the torture video.' Although names were initially redacted, Republican Representative Thomas Massie this week publicly identified Mr Sulayem as the recipient of this message. Lawmakers have accessed the unredacted files, revealing the full extent of the correspondence.
Pattern of Inappropriate Exchanges
Additional emails released by the US Department of Justice reveal a pattern of inappropriate communication between the Emirati businessman and Epstein. The two frequently discussed their sexual experiences and exchanged images of women, according to Financial Times reports.
In one email from June 2013, Mr Sulayem provided detailed physical measurements of an individual, including age, weight, height, and bra size. The email read: 'Dear Jeffrey This is the one I went with in Paris do you think she is a he??' Epstein responded with: 'the hands do look like mine'.
Further correspondence from September 2015 shows Mr Sulayem telling Epstein about a 'girl' he was seeing, describing it as 'the best sex I ever had amazing body'. Two years later, Epstein sent the businessman a link to a website providing escorts in Italy, to which Mr Sulayem responded with a simple 'Wow'.
Timing and Royal Connections
Significantly, the April 2009 email was sent while Epstein was still serving an 18-month sentence for soliciting underage sex, though he was on work release from his Palm Beach prison at the time. This timing raises serious questions about the nature of the relationship between the two men.
Prince William and Mr Sulayem have been photographed together on multiple occasions, most notably in 2022 when the Earthshot Prize Innovation Showcase was held in Dubai. These public appearances have drawn increased scrutiny following the email revelations.
Charity Commission Assessment
Anti-monarchy pressure group Republic has formally raised concerns with the Charity Commission, questioning both the relationship between Mr Sulayem and Epstein and the Emirati businessman's involvement with The Earthshot Prize. The group has urged a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, stated: 'The seriousness of this matter requires a full and comprehensive investigation. 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.'
Smith added: 'These files have been in the hands of US 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. In the context of this widening scandal we need answers.'
A Charity Commission spokesperson confirmed to ITV News: 'We are aware of concerns about sources of funding to The Earthshot Prize. We are assessing this information to determine any next steps and if there is a role for the Commission.'
Background and Responses
The Earthshot Prize was established by Prince William in 2020, in partnership with renowned natural historian Sir David Attenborough, with the ambitious goal of recognizing and supporting groundbreaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. The charity represents one of the Prince of Wales's most significant environmental initiatives.
Daily Mail has reached out to The Earthshot Prize, DP World, and the Charity Commission for official comments regarding these serious allegations. The revelations come at a sensitive time for the royal family, adding to existing scrutiny surrounding connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
The email exchanges between Mr Sulayem and Epstein span several years, from 2009 through 2017, indicating a sustained relationship that continued even after Epstein's conviction and imprisonment. This prolonged association raises significant ethical questions about due diligence processes within charitable organizations accepting substantial donations from international business figures.
