Princess Eugenie Steps Down from Anti-Slavery Charity Amid Father’s Scandal Fallout
Princess Eugenie has quietly concluded her seven-year tenure as a patron with Anti-Slavery International, a prominent UK-based organisation dedicated to eradicating modern slavery. This move comes as public attention continues to focus on her father, Prince Andrew, and his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The 35-year-old royal’s profile has been removed from the charity’s official website, signalling the end of her involvement. An Observer report confirmed that Eugenie is no longer listed among the organisation’s dedicated supporters.
Anti-Slavery International acknowledged the change with a brief statement, expressing gratitude for the Princess’s dedication over the years. “After seven years, our patronage from HRH Princess Eugenie of York has come to an end,” the organisation stated. “We thank the Princess very much for her support for Anti-Slavery International. We hope that she continues to work to end slavery for good and deliver freedom for everyone.”
The decision to step down occurs during a period of intense public scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew, formerly known as the Duke of York. His long-standing relationship with Epstein has cast a long shadow, impacting not only his own reputation but also drawing in other members of the extended royal family.
While there have been no allegations of wrongdoing against Princess Eugenie or her sister, Princess Beatrice, in connection with the Epstein scandal, the ongoing controversy has inevitably affected them. Princess Eugenie’s commitment to combating modern slavery was first formalised when she became a patron in 2019, following years of expressed interest in the crucial issue. Anti-Slavery International’s work encompasses a broad spectrum of modern slavery, including the abhorrent practices of human trafficking, forced labour, and the exploitation of children.
This shift in charitable affiliations is not unprecedented within the York family. In recent years, several organisations previously associated with Eugenie’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, also distanced themselves from the former Duchess of York. This included notable charities like the Teenage Cancer Trust and the British Heart Foundation, with these changes occurring prior to Prince Andrew’s arrest.
For the time being, Princess Eugenie appears to be maintaining a low profile. The ongoing repercussions of her father’s deeply entrenched scandal continue to create ripples throughout the family, prompting a period of quiet reflection and strategic repositioning for those closest to the situation. Her departure from Anti-Slavery International, while not directly linked to any personal misconduct, underscores the pervasive influence of the Epstein affair on the public lives of the royal family members. The charity’s acknowledgement of her past support, coupled with its hopeful wishes for her continued advocacy, suggests a desire to maintain a positive focus on the vital work of combating modern slavery.
