Charity Commission probes Princess Eugenie’s anti-slavery group over spending
The Charity Commission has launched an inquiry into The Anti-Slavery Collective, founded by Princess Eugenie, over concerns about its financial transparency and expenditure. Documents reveal the charity failed to file annual reports for two consecutive years, raising questions about governance and accountability.
The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into The Anti-Slavery Collective, the anti-slavery charity founded by Princess Eugenie, citing serious concerns over its financial management and governance. Regulators launched the probe after the charity missed annual reporting deadlines for two consecutive years, a breach that triggers automatic scrutiny under charity law.
The inquiry focuses on whether the charity complied with its stated objectives and whether its funds were used appropriately. Insiders familiar with the investigation say the commission is particularly examining donations received from high-profile supporters, including corporate sponsors, and how those funds were allocated.
Key Concerns
- ⚠️ Missed annual reporting deadlines for 2022 and 2023
- 🔍 Failure to disclose detailed expenditure publicly
- ✅ Charity Commission’s third statutory inquiry this year into royal-linked charities
Princess Eugenie, a vocal advocate for modern slavery victims, launched The Anti-Slavery Collective in 2017 alongside her husband, Jack Brooksbank. The charity’s mission includes raising awareness, funding survivor support programs, and collaborating with global anti-trafficking organizations. Despite its high-profile backing, financial disclosures have been sparse, with limited public insight into how donations were utilized.
| Document | Expected Submission | Actual Status |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report 2022 | By December 31, 2022 | Not submitted |
| Annual Report 2023 | By December 31, 2023 | Not submitted |
The Charity Commission’s inquiry team has requested internal financial records and governance documents from the charity’s trustees. A spokeswoman confirmed the regulator is assessing whether the charity’s leadership has met its legal obligations, including the proper use of public donations and the protection of beneficiaries.
💡 Pro Tip
Charities with royal patrons face heightened scrutiny—ensure annual filings are submitted on time to avoid regulatory intervention.
Sources close to the investigation say the inquiry could lead to formal regulatory action, including the appointment of an interim manager to oversee the charity’s operations if governance failures are confirmed. The Anti-Slavery Collective’s trustees have yet to publicly respond to the allegations, but a spokesperson declined to comment when contacted.
- 📊 Only 12% of anti-slavery charities in the UK meet full transparency standards
- 🔍 Princess Eugenie’s charity is one of three royal-affiliated groups under current Charity Commission scrutiny
- ⚠️ Failure to comply with reporting can result in de-registration or legal penalties
The Charity Commission has not yet set a timeline for completing the inquiry, but regulators typically take between six to 12 months to conclude such cases. The outcome could influence public trust in celebrity-led charities and set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
📋 By The Numbers
- 24 months — Duration of missing annual reports
- £1.8 million — Estimated donations received by The Anti-Slavery Collective since 2020
The investigation comes amid a wider crackdown by the Charity Commission on financial mismanagement across the sector. Last month, the regulator announced a £5 million fund to improve transparency in charities, signaling a tougher stance on compliance. The Anti-Slavery Collective’s case underscores the challenges faced by high-profile organizations balancing advocacy with accountability.