What to Know
It seems like the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files is always plaguing the royal family in new ways. Aside from the former Prince Andrew‘s connection to the convicted sex trafficker, apparently, there’s also a connection to Prince William’s Earthshot Prize organization that is now painting him in a bad light, too — despite the fact that the Prince of Wales has always had a squeaky clean reputation until now.
A founding donor was named in the Epstein files.
According to Scottish outlet The National, among those named in the Epstein files was an Emirati billionaire named Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. He is considered a founding member of the Earthshot Prize organization, and is believed to have donated more than £1 million to the cause. William and Sulayem have worked closely together in the past.
But where do the Epstein files come in? Sulayem was one of the people Epstein was exchanging emails with, and one particularly damning April 2009 email from Epstein to Sulayem that was sent from prison read, “Where are you? are you ok , I loved the torture video.”
The Earthshot Prize organization has been reported to the Charity Commission.
Graham Smith, who leads an anti-monarchy association called Republic, has filed a complaint with the Charity Commission, asking that this newfound connection be investigated.
“William has lots of questions to answer about what he knew about Andrew and Epstein and now he must explain his relationship with Sulayem,” Graham said. “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. 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 over rule their better judgement? In the context of this widening scandal we need answers.”
So now we know that Andrew, Sarah, and maybe William have Epstein ties. Who’s next?
Will and Kate haven’t spoken much about the Epstein controversy.
While William himself hasn’t responded to the complaint, the Charity Commission did issue a statement to The National: “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.”
Meanwhile, all William and Kate have had to say publicly about the Epstein files came in the form of a statement shared by their spokesperson earlier this week. “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims,” they said, via People.
