Princess Eugenie Ends Patronage of Historic Anti-Slavery Charity
Princess Eugenie of York has formally stepped down from her role as patron of Anti-Slavery International, the world's oldest human rights organisation. The charity confirmed the departure after seven years of patronage, which comes amid ongoing revelations about her father's connections to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Charity Confirms Departure and Expresses Gratitude
In an official statement provided to The Observer, Anti-Slavery International acknowledged the conclusion of Princess Eugenie's patronage. The organisation stated: "After seven years, our patronage from HRH Princess Eugenie of York has come to an end. 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 charity's website has removed Princess Eugenie's profile, which previously highlighted her extensive work "across the board with leaders in the fight against modern slavery." She has not publicly commented on her father's relationship with Epstein or the allegations made against him by Virginia Giuffre.
Background of Anti-Slavery International and Eugenie's Work
Founded in 1839 by abolitionists campaigning against slavery worldwide, Anti-Slavery International is over 180 years old and remains a leading voice in human rights advocacy. Other patrons of the charity include Dame Judi Dench, Julie Etchingham, Baroness Helena Kennedy, Vanita Patel, Hugh Quarshie, and Baroness Lola Young.
During her tenure, Princess Eugenie was actively involved in anti-slavery efforts. She co-founded an anti-slavery collective, visited survivors with the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and the Salvation Army, and hosted a roundtable for the US Ambassador-at-Large for combating trafficking in persons. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Princess Eugenie in connection with Epstein.
Context of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Legal Troubles
The move follows the release of emails by the US government that provided further details about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. In the latest document release from the US Department of Justice, a Brazilian woman who was abused by Epstein alleges that she massaged Mr Mountbatten-Windsor before he gave her a massage back.
The woman told the FBI she was "quite shocked to see him." These revelations come after a separate document in the Epstein files appeared to show Mr Mountbatten-Windsor touching a fully clothed woman's abdomen.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been stripped of his royal titles, was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This followed allegations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. He spent approximately 11 hours in custody as searches were conducted at his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire. He was released pending further investigation and denies all allegations against him.
Current Status and Responses
Princess Eugenie currently works as a director for the modern art gallery Hauser & Wirth. Both Anti-Slavery International and Buckingham Palace have been contacted for additional comment regarding the patronage change. The departure marks a significant shift in the charity's high-profile support network, reflecting the ongoing impact of the Epstein scandal on associated figures.
