Princess Eugenie steps down as patron of anti-slavery charity
Princess Eugenie has reportedly resigned as patron of the charity Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation.
The move comes after emails released by the US government revealed more details about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
His profile has been removed from the charity’s website, which had previously praised his work “alongside leaders in the fight against modern slavery”. He has not commented on his father’s relationship with Epstein or Virginia Giuffre’s allegations against him.
Inside a statement ObserverAnti-Slavery International said: “After seven years, the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York has come to an end. We are very grateful to the Princess for her support of Anti-Slavery International. We hope that she will continue to work to end slavery once and for all and ensure freedom for all.”
Other patrons of Anti-Slavery International include Dame Judi Dench, Julie Etchingham, Baroness Helena Kennedy, Vanita Patel, Hugh Quarshie and Baroness Lola Young.
The charity was founded in 1839 by abolitionists who campaigned against slavery around the world. It is the oldest human rights organization in the world, with a history of more than 180 years.
As part of its work to combat modern slavery, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s younger daughter co-founded the 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 to Fight Human Trafficking.
Princess Eugenie currently works as a director at the modern art gallery Hauser & Wirth. There is no allegation of wrongdoing by Princess Eugenie in connection with Epstein and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor denies all allegations against him.
In the latest document released by the US Department of Justice, a Brazilian woman who was abused by Epstein claims that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor gave her a massage before giving her a massage.
The woman told the FBI she was “quite surprised to see him.” The revelations came after a photo emerged in a separate document in the Epstein files showing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor touching the belly of a fully clothed woman.
The royal, who was stripped of his titles, was arrested in February on suspicion of abuse of public office following allegations that he shared sensitive information with the financier while serving as Britain’s trade envoy.
He was detained for around 11 hours in February while searches were carried out at his home at Sandringham Manor in Norfolk and his former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, before being released pending further investigation.
Anti-Slavery International and Buckingham Palace have been contacted for comment.
