Princess Eugenie’s charity faces further scrutiny from Charity Commission
Princess Eugenie’s Charity Faces Further Scrutiny from Charity Commission
Princess Eugenie s charity faces further – Princess Eugenie’s charity, the Anti-Slavery Collective, is now under increased scrutiny from the Charity Commission as the watchdog initiates a regulatory compliance case. The inquiry stems from concerns about the organization’s spending patterns, which have drawn attention following reports of minimal distribution of funds compared to the amount raised. Earlier this year, the Commission confirmed it was “assessing concerns” about the charity, which Princess Eugenie co-founded in 2017. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Charity Commission stated, “We have opened a regulatory compliance case into the Anti-Slavery Collective to continue assessing concerns raised with us about charitable spending.” While the Commission has not yet issued any formal findings, the case signals a growing investigation into the charity’s financial management.
Financial Discrepancies and Public Concerns
The charity’s accounts for the previous financial year revealed that £1.5m in donations were collected, yet only a small fraction was allocated to its core initiatives. Most of this income came from a major gala fundraiser in London in 2023, which has since drawn criticism for its lack of transparency. The most recent available accounts, covering the year ending 5 April 2025, show a dramatic drop in donations to just £48,000. This decline has raised eyebrows, especially as the charity spent £191,537 on salaries—nearly double the amount dedicated to its programs. The Charity Commission’s ongoing assessment is expected to examine whether these spending habits align with the charity’s stated mission to support victims of modern slavery, including sex trafficking.
Complementing the financial review, the Commission is now engaging further with the charity’s trustees to gather more insights. In March, the watchdog outlined its approach, stating, “We are assessing concerns raised in the media about charitable spending at the Anti-Slavery Collective to determine what role there is, if any, for the Commission.” This step underscores the public’s growing skepticism, particularly given the charity’s association with Princess Eugenie, a member of the British royal family. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie has noted that the charity’s focus on sex trafficking may appear “preposterously inappropriate” for her involvement, adding a layer of scrutiny beyond financial concerns.
Connectivity to Royal Family and Epstein Scandal
The controversy surrounding Princess Eugenie’s charity has intersected with broader questions about the royal family’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. BBC News reported that the charity has been linked to the Epstein files, which were released by the US Department of Justice and highlighted the princess’s father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as a key figure in the case. Despite this connection, the Commission has clarified that being named in the files does not automatically imply wrongdoing. However, the ongoing scrutiny reflects the public’s demand for accountability, especially in light of Epstein’s criminal record and the royal family’s involvement.
Princess Eugenie, 36, and her sister Princess Beatrice, 37, have both been mentioned in the Epstein-related documents, alongside their mother, Sarah Ferguson. This has fueled speculation about the family’s role in the charity’s operations and the potential implications of their association. Although the charity’s financial practices remain the central focus, the connection to the Epstein case has added a public relations dimension to the investigation. The Commission’s decision to escalate its engagement with the charity suggests a willingness to explore all angles, including the impact of the royal family’s involvement on public perception.
Meanwhile, the charity’s relationship with the public has been tested. Earlier this year, Princess Eugenie stepped down as patron of another anti-slavery charity, Anti-Slavery International, after seven years in the role. This move coincided with the release of the Epstein files, which intensified scrutiny of her family’s ties to the sex offender. While the Charity Commission’s current case is not a statutory inquiry, it has positioned the Anti-Slavery Collective as a focal point for questions about transparency and efficiency. The Commission has not set a timeline for the investigation, leaving the charity’s reputation in the hands of public opinion and ongoing reports.
