Princess Eugenie Ends Patronage of Anti-Slavery Charity Amid Epstein Scandal Fallout
Princess Eugenie has officially stepped down as patron of AntiSlavery International, the world's oldest human rights organization, after seven years of service. This decision comes in the wake of the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice related to Jeffrey Epstein's role in sexual abuse and trafficking, which have severely tarnished the reputation of her father, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Charity Acknowledges Departure and Expresses Gratitude
AntiSlavery International confirmed the end of Eugenie's patronage in a statement shared with the Observer, thanking her for her dedicated support and expressing hope that she will continue her advocacy against modern slavery. The charity's website has removed Eugenie's profile, which previously highlighted her efforts in collaborating with leaders to combat slavery globally.
There is no indication of any misconduct by Eugenie, her sister Princess Beatrice, or their mother, Sarah Ferguson, in connection with Epstein. Eugenie has remained silent on both the Epstein files and the allegations against her father, who denies any wrongdoing.
Eugenie's Advocacy and Charitable Work
As a director at the art gallery Hauser & Wirth, Princess Eugenie has long been an active campaigner against modern slavery and trafficking. In 2017, she co-founded the Anti-Slavery Collective with her friend Julia de Boinville. However, recent financial reports have raised concerns, as the charity spent over twice as much on salaries (£191,537) as on charitable programmes (£97,206) in the year ending April 2025, prompting scrutiny from the Charity Commission.
Eugenie originally announced her patronage of AntiSlavery International on Anti-Slavery Day in October 2019, aligning with the charity's historic roots dating back to 1839 and its founder, Thomas Clarkson, a key figure in the abolitionist movement.
Broader Context of Epstein Allegations and Family Ties
The Epstein documents have brought renewed attention to allegations against Prince Andrew, including claims by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was paid to have sex with him in 2001. Giuffre tragically died by suicide in April last year. Additionally, lawyer Brad Edwards revealed in January that a second woman has come forward alleging she was sent to the UK in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Andrew.
Sarah Ferguson's past friendship with Epstein has also been highlighted, with emails suggesting she and her daughters visited him in the US shortly after his release from jail in 2009, while he was still under house arrest as a registered sex offender.
Both Eugenie and Beatrice are considered potential key witnesses in their father's account of his interactions with Epstein, particularly regarding an alibi for the night of the alleged incident with Giuffre in 2001. Neither sister has publicly commented on these matters.
The Anti-Slavery Collective and Princess Eugenie have been approached for further comment but have not responded at this time.
