Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein ‘donated tens of thousands’ to wildlife charity linked to Prince William after s.e.x offence convictions

In January 2014, WildAid’s managing director John Baker allegedly wrote to Epstein’s office thanking him for the donation and proposing a meeting with the charity’s senior leadership, including co founder and executive director Peter Knights. Further emails reportedly followed in February and March of that year, including an invitation to a private dinner in New York.

WildAid has firmly denied that any such meetings ever took place. In a statement, the charity said that no member of its staff or leadership met with Epstein or any of his representatives.

The organisation also stated that the donation was not earmarked for any specific individual or campaign and was used for general operating costs.

Royal involvement and charity response

At the time of the alleged correspondence, WildAid was launching major public awareness campaigns in London focused on ending the illegal trade in wildlife products such as rhino horn, ivory, and shark fin.