Prince William's flagship environmental initiative, the Earthshot Prize, has been drawn into renewed scrutiny after newly released U.S. Department of Justice files linked a senior executive at founding partner DP World to past email correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting Kensington Palace to issue a statement focused on victims and fueling concern over reputational fallout.
The Justice Department's recent document release, part of broader disclosures related to Epstein's network, included correspondence involving Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the longtime chief executive of DP World. Reporting noted that bin Sulayem resigned with immediate effect after the emails became public. The same reporting emphasized that appearing in such files is not itself evidence of wrongdoing.
DP World is a founding partner of the Earthshot Prize and has publicly committed £1 million toward Earthshot-linked initiatives. The investment was highlighted during an Innovation Showcase at Expo 2020 Dubai attended by Prince William and bin Sulayem, where scaling work by Earthshot finalists was showcased.
Kensington Palace responded with a brief statement. A spokesperson said, "I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims." The wording avoided commentary on specific partnerships or operational questions, instead underscoring empathy and distance.
The controversy touches on a central feature of Earthshot's model: large-scale corporate partnerships designed to accelerate environmental innovation. DP World, a Dubai-based logistics and port operator that also owns P&O Ferries, is among several multinational backers providing financial and strategic support.
Heat magazine, citing unnamed sources, reported that William had "hit the roof" over Earthshot being mentioned alongside Epstein's name, describing the optics as "sickening" and "brutal." While the characterization reflects tabloid language rather than official statements, it captures the sensitivity surrounding brand associations.
Earthshot was conceived as a forward-looking initiative centered on climate solutions and technological innovation. The prize structure emphasizes optimism, private-sector collaboration and global engagement. Yet the corporate networks that enable scale also create exposure when individuals connected to those networks become subjects of scrutiny.
The broader context is the reputational gravity of Epstein's legacy. Even in cases where no criminal allegations are made, documented contact in the released files has prompted renewed examination of proximity, access and association among political, academic and business figures.
For the monarchy, which depends on public legitimacy rather than electoral mandate, indirect association can carry disproportionate risk. Earthshot, positioned as Prince William's signature modernizing project, sits at the intersection of philanthropy, corporate partnership and global diplomacy.
