The Charity Commission has launched a formal inquiry into Princess Eugenie’s Anti-Slavery Collective, escalating concerns over potential financial mismanagement just months after the charity marked its fifth anniversary. Documents obtained by this newspaper reveal regulators raised alarm over discrepancies in spending records dating back to 2022, prompting an urgent review of the organization’s governance.
Insiders within the charity describe a pattern of delayed grant payments to partner organizations, with some beneficiaries reporting funding gaps of up to six months. The commission’s intervention follows a whistleblower complaint filed last autumn, which alleged that administrative costs had ballooned to 35% of total expenditure—far exceeding the sector average of 10-15%.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Charity Commission opens formal inquiry into Anti-Slavery Collective
- 📅 Concerns trace back to 2022 spending records
- 💰 Administrative costs allegedly hit 35% of total expenditure
Princess Eugenie, who co-founded the charity with her husband Jack Brooksbank, has not issued a public statement since the commission’s announcement. A spokesperson for the royal household declined to comment. The Anti-Slavery Collective, registered in 2019, publicly pledges to combat modern slavery through education and advocacy, partnering with organizations like the UN International Labour Organization.
💡 Pro Tip
Charities facing regulatory scrutiny should immediately commission an independent audit and publish a detailed corrective action plan to restore trust with donors and partners.
Regulatory filings show the charity’s income dropped 22% in 2023 amid economic pressures, yet administrative spending remained flat. The Charity Commission has issued a formal “matter of concern” notice, a step below full statutory inquiry but signaling serious regulatory concern. Other anti-slavery groups have distanced themselves, with one partner describing the situation as “a reputational risk to the entire sector.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 35% — Alleged administrative costs as a share of total spending
- 22% — Drop in charity income in 2023
- 6 months — Maximum delay in grant payments reported by partners
The Anti-Slavery Collective’s board includes high-profile figures such as fashion designer Phoebe English and former diplomat Simon McDonald. While the inquiry focuses on financial governance, the charity’s public campaigns—including endorsements from celebrities like Ed Sheeran—have remained active. The commission has requested all board members submit written evidence by June 14, with a final report expected in September.
Timeline of Events
- 2019 — Anti-Slavery Collective registered as a charity
- 2022 — First irregularities in spending records noted
- October 2023 — Whistleblower complaint filed
- May 2024 — Charity Commission opens formal inquiry
- June 14, 2024 — Deadline for board evidence submission
- September 2024 — Final report due
Experts warn the case could set a precedent for how royal-backed charities are scrutinized. “The optics alone are damaging,” said one governance consultant. “Even if no wrongdoing is found, the perception of lax oversight can erode donor confidence for years.” The Anti-Slavery Collective’s website remains operational, but its “Impact Reports” section has been temporarily removed.
| Aspect | Sector Average | Anti-Slavery Collective |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Costs | 10-15% | 35% |
| Grant Payment Speed | Within 30 days | Up to 6 months |
| Income Drop (2023) | 12% | 22% |
As the investigation unfolds, the charity’s future hangs in balance. The Charity Commission retains the power to issue formal warnings, appoint interim managers, or—if serious breaches are found—refer the case to the High Court for dissolution. For now, the Anti-Slavery Collective’s partners are bracing for the fallout, with some quietly exploring alternative funding sources to avoid disruption.