Princess Eugenie Quits Anti-Slavery International Amid Epstein Scandal
Princess Eugenie has stepped down from her role as patron of Anti-Slavery International, the UK-based human rights organization founded in 1839. The decision comes in the wake of the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking and abuse network, which have brought renewed scrutiny to her father, Prince Andrew.
Eugenie’s profile has already been removed from the charity’s website, where it previously highlighted her operate “across the board with leaders in the fight against modern slavery.” Anti-Slavery International confirmed the end of the patronage in a statement to The Observer, expressing gratitude for her seven years of support and hoping she will “continue to work to end slavery.”
While there has been no public indication of any wrongdoing on the part of Eugenie, her sister Princess Beatrice, or their mother Sarah Ferguson in connection with Epstein, the timing of her departure is undeniably linked to the fallout from the recently released files. The US Department of Justice released millions of documents and emails detailing Epstein’s crimes, and the implications for those connected to him.
Eugenie has maintained public silence regarding both the Epstein files and the allegations of sexual abuse leveled against her father, who vehemently denies the accusations. The Prince Andrew allegations, notably those made by Virginia Giuffre who alleged a paid sexual encounter in 2001, have cast a long shadow over the royal family.
The situation is further complicated by the known association between Sarah Ferguson and Epstein. Ferguson, a friend of Epstein for several years, exchanged correspondence with him while he was incarcerated for procuring a minor for prostitution. Reports indicate that Ferguson, along with her daughters Eugenie and Beatrice, traveled to the United States shortly after Epstein’s release from jail in 2009 and met with him for lunch in Miami while he was under house arrest and registered as a sex offender.
Princess Eugenie’s involvement with anti-slavery advocacy extends beyond her patronage of Anti-Slavery International. In 2017, she co-founded the Anti-Slavery Collective with her friend Julia de Boinville. However, recent financial reports for the Collective have raised questions. For the year ending April 5, 2025, the charity spent more than twice as much on salaries – £191,537 – as it did on charitable programs, totaling £97,206. This disparity prompted scrutiny from the Charity Commission, which addressed concerns regarding expenditure.
Eugenie publicly announced her patronage of Anti-Slavery International on , coinciding with Anti-Slavery Day. The organization, established by abolitionist Thomas Clarkson, has a long history of fighting human trafficking and modern slavery.
The Epstein case continues to generate new allegations. In January, lawyer Brad Edwards, representing Epstein victims, revealed that a second woman had alleged she was sent to the UK in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew. He likewise denies any wrongdoing.
Both Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are considered potentially key witnesses in their father’s account of his relationship with Epstein. Prince Andrew has claimed that on the night he allegedly had a sexual encounter with Virginia Giuffre in March 2001, he was at home with his daughters, having taken Beatrice to a Pizza Express restaurant in Woking earlier that afternoon. Neither sister has publicly commented on this account.
The Anti-Slavery Collective and Princess Eugenie were approached for comment but have not yet responded publicly. The situation underscores the far-reaching consequences of the Epstein scandal, extending beyond the immediate victims to impact those connected to him, even through familial ties and charitable affiliations. Eugenie’s departure from Anti-Slavery International is a significant development, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the case and the pressure faced by those associated with Prince Andrew.
The ongoing scrutiny raises questions about the future of the Anti-Slavery Collective and whether the financial concerns raised by the Charity Commission will impact its operations. It also leaves open the possibility of further revelations as investigations into Epstein’s network continue and more individuals are potentially called upon to provide testimony.