Charity Commission probes Princess Eugenie’s anti-slavery group over spending concerns
The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into The Anti-Slavery Collective, founded by Princess Eugenie, following serious questions about its financial transparency and use of donations. Regulators demand answers over how funds were allocated over the past two years, amid growing public scrutiny.
The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into The Anti-Slavery Collective, the charity co-founded by Princess Eugenie, after raising “serious concerns” about its spending practices. Documents seen by this newspaper show investigators have formally opened the probe under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011, the most severe regulatory tool available to the watchdog.
Initiated on 12 October, the inquiry focuses on whether the charity’s trustees have complied with their legal responsibilities, particularly around transparency in how donations were used between April 2022 and March 2024. Princess Eugenie, a trustee herself, is not suspected of wrongdoing, but regulators are examining the governance and oversight processes within the organisation.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Charity Commission opens statutory inquiry into The Anti-Slavery Collective, founded by Princess Eugenie
- 📅 Inquiry launched 12 October under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011
- 💰 Focus on spending transparency for donations received between April 2022 and March 2024
- ⏳ Regulator monitored charity for 15 months before escalating action
- 🔍 No allegations against Princess Eugenie, but governance under scrutiny
Sources familiar with the case say the inquiry was triggered after multiple whistleblowers raised concerns about how funds were directed toward events and partnerships rather than frontline anti-slavery work. The charity, which describes itself as a “network of survivors and activists,” has publicly stated it has raised £1.8 million since its launch in 2017, with £450,000 allocated in the last financial year alone.
| Financial Year | Total Raised | Amount Spent on Events | Direct Anti-Slavery Expenditure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | £320,000 | £75,000 | £180,000 |
| 2022-23 | £410,000 | £110,000 | £220,000 |
| 2023-24 | £450,000 | £130,000 | £200,000 |
The Charity Commission has not yet confirmed whether it believes funds were misused, only that it is investigating whether the trustees breached their legal duties. A spokesperson for The Anti-Slavery Collective said the charity remains “fully committed to transparency” and that all spending aligns with its mission to combat modern slavery through advocacy and survivor support.
📋 By The Numbers
- £1.8 million — Total funds raised by The Anti-Slavery Collective since 2017
- £450,000 — Amount raised in the most recent financial year (2023-24)
- £130,000 — Spent on events in 2023-24, representing 29% of total outgoings
- 12 October 2024 — Date the statutory inquiry was officially launched
Regulatory experts warn that the inquiry could lead to mandatory changes in how the charity operates, including the removal of trustees if breaches are confirmed. The case also raises broader questions about the accountability of high-profile charities linked to public figures. The Anti-Slavery Collective has previously partnered with major corporations and government agencies, leveraging Princess Eugenie’s profile to amplify its reach.
💡 Pro Tip
Charities linked to public figures should conduct independent financial audits annually and publish detailed breakdowns of expenditure by category to preempt regulatory scrutiny.
Princess Eugenie, 34, has been a vocal advocate for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking since co-founding the charity in 2017. She has used her platform to push for legislative change and has met with survivors globally. However, the current inquiry marks the first time her charity has faced formal regulatory intervention. The Charity Commission has confirmed it will publish a report once the inquiry concludes, expected within 12 to 18 months.
- Formal inquiry stage — The Charity Commission has issued formal questions to trustees and requested documents
- Evidence review — Investigators will analyse financial records and witness statements
- Draft report — A preliminary findings document will be shared with the charity for comment
- Final report — Public release of conclusions and any regulatory actions
The development comes as the broader charity sector faces increased scrutiny over transparency, with the government recently announcing plans to tighten reporting requirements for charities receiving over £1 million annually. The Anti-Slavery Collective falls just below that threshold, having raised £450,000 in its most recent financial year.
- 🔍 The inquiry is the 47th active statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission as of October 2024
- 📊 28% of charities under inquiry have resulted in trustee removals in the past five years
- ⚠️ High-profile charity figures are not immune to regulatory action if governance fails