Princess Eugenie has officially stepped down as patron of the UK charity Anti-Slavery International.
The royal daughter of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson has worked with the world’s oldest human rights organisation for seven years, and has been a vocal campaigner for victims of modern slavery and trafficking.
Her profile has been removed from the British charity’s website, which previously hailed her work ‘across the board with leaders in the fight against modern slavery’.
In a statement to The Observer, Anti-Slavery International said: “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.”
Eugenie, 35, has not yet commented on the decision; however, it follows the arrest of her father, the former Prince and Duke of York.
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at his home in Sandringham in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
King Charles III’s younger brother spent roughly 11 hours in custody while officers searched his home in Norfolk and his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire.
Thames Valley Police previously said it was reviewing allegations that Andrew shared sensitive information with criminal financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.
This followed the release of millions of files by the Department of Justice, relating to the convicted paedophile, in which Andrew was pictured and mentioned multiple times.
However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t automatically equal any wrongdoing, and Andrew has continuously and strenuously denied any wrongdoing over his links to Epstein.
Last year, the King also stripped Andrew of both his Prince and Duke of York titles, as well as instructing him to vacate his royal residence, the Royal Lodge.
The whole scandal has thrown his two daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, 37, into the spotlight – both of whom aren’t accused of any wrongdoing.
The latest development comes after news that the York sisters have reportedly been told they can’t join the rest of their family at Royal Ascot this year.
According to The Mail on Sunday, which published the claims, sources said that Eugenie and Beatrice won’t be taking their usual seats in the Royal Box at the Berkshire horse-racing event in June, or joining in with the Royal Procession.
A source told the publication: “I’ve spoken to my friend who works at Ascot and they said the girls have been told they can’t be there this year.
“Beatrice has taken it the hardest. She’s been completely blindsided by all of this.”
While a second source added: “Ascot would be out of the question because the royals have been told they can’t have pictures with the girls for the rest of the year.”
