Princess Eugenie’s charity faces further scrutiny from Charity Commission

Charity Commission Investigates Princess Eugenie’s Anti-Slavery Initiative Amid Spending Concerns

Princess Eugenie s charity faces further – The Charity Commission has initiated a regulatory compliance case against Princess Eugenie’s anti-slavery organization, Anti-Slavery Collective, following reports about its financial management. This development marks a significant step in the watchdog’s ongoing examination of the charity’s operations, which were already under review earlier this year. The Commission has confirmed it is investigating potential issues with how the organization allocates its funds, particularly in light of recent scrutiny over its spending practices.

Ambiguous Financial Practices Draw Attention

While the Commission has not yet reached any definitive conclusions, the case underscores growing questions about the charity’s transparency. According to recent accounts, the Anti-Slavery Collective received £1.5 million in donations during the previous financial year but allocated only a fraction of that to its core programs. Most of the income came from a high-profile gala event held in London in 2023, which raised eyebrows within the sector. A source familiar with the charity’s operations noted that it is “difficult optically to do anything high profile like that again,” suggesting a perception of imbalance between fundraising efforts and program spending.

The latest figures, covering the year ending 5 April 2025, reveal a stark decline in donations. The organization now reports just £48,000 in contributions, a far cry from the £1.5m raised earlier. This drop has raised concerns about the charity’s sustainability and its ability to maintain its mission. Notably, the Anti-Slavery Collective spent £191,537 on salaries, nearly double the amount allocated to direct charitable activities. Such figures have fueled speculation about whether the charity is fulfilling its stated purpose or if its administrative costs are disproportionately high.

Escalation of Scrutiny

The Charity Commission’s latest action signals an intensification of its involvement with the charity. In March, the watchdog stated it was assessing media reports about the organization’s spending to determine if further intervention was necessary. Now, with a formal case opened, the Commission is likely to conduct a more thorough review. A spokesperson confirmed that the process involves engaging with the charity’s trustees to gather additional information. This step is crucial in understanding the full scope of the financial concerns.

It is important to clarify that the current case does not equate to a statutory inquiry, which would involve more formal procedures. The Commission has not imposed a timeline for the investigation, leaving the process open-ended. This lack of urgency may reflect the complexity of the case or the need for further data collection before any conclusions are drawn.

Epstein Files and Royal Connections

Amid the financial scrutiny, the Anti-Slavery Collective’s ties to Princess Eugenie’s family have also come under focus. The charity has been linked to the Epstein files, a collection of documents and emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice that highlight connections between the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and members of the royal family. These files have added another layer of complexity to the investigation, as they mention Princess Eugenie, her sister Princess Beatrice, and their mother Sarah Ferguson.

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie has described the charity’s focus as “preposterously inappropriate” for Eugenie’s involvement. While the Commission has not yet made any findings, the association with Epstein has intensified public debate about the princess’s role in the organization. BBC News attempted to obtain a statement from the Anti-Slavery Collective in response to the latest controversy but received no comment. This silence has left questions about the charity’s stance on the allegations.

The situation has also prompted a reevaluation of the princess’s other charitable commitments. Earlier this year, Princess Eugenie stepped down as a patron of Anti-Slavery International, a separate UK-based charity, after seven years of support. The organization expressed gratitude for her involvement and confirmed the relationship had ended. Although no specific reason was given for the change, it followed the release of Epstein’s files, which placed further pressure on her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, over his alleged ties to the sex offender.

Mountbatten-Windsor has publicly denied any wrongdoing in his association with Epstein. However, the files have cast doubt on the family’s involvement, with Eugenie and her sister Beatrice repeatedly mentioned in correspondence. Being named in these documents does not necessarily imply guilt, but it has raised questions about the transparency of the royal family’s financial relationships. The Commission’s investigation now adds to this growing narrative, linking the princess’s charitable endeavors with broader concerns about accountability.

Context and Public Perception

While the Charity Commission’s focus remains on financial practices, the controversy has also influenced public perception of the Anti-Slavery Collective. The charity’s mission to support victims of sex trafficking is widely regarded as important, yet its spending patterns have drawn criticism. Critics argue that the organization’s reliance on large events to generate funds may prioritize visibility over impact. This has led to calls for greater transparency in how donations are used, particularly in light of the current scrutiny.

The case against the Anti-Slavery Collective highlights the challenges faced by high-profile charities in maintaining public trust. As the Commission continues its assessment, the charity must demonstrate that its financial decisions align with its charitable goals. For now, the situation remains unresolved, with the watchdog set to determine whether further action is required. The outcome of the investigation could have implications not only for the Anti-Slavery Collective but also for the broader network of royal-backed initiatives.