Prince Eugenie, co-founder of The Anti-Slavery Collective, has raised £1 million for its inaugural Force for Freedom Gala, it has been revealed. The event, which cost £280,000, took place at the Battersea Arts Centre in 2023, with a newly published report showing the sum of money collected at the party, which will go towards the fight to eradicate modern slavery.
The royal, who founded the charity alongside a close friend in 2017, works with policymakers and companies to, ‘collaboratively develop solutions to fight modern-day slavery and human trafficking.’ They carry out this work by raising awareness of human rights abuses, strengthening education on the issue, and encouraging responsible business practices.
It is a cause close to the Princess’ heart which she founded alongside her best friend Julia de Boinville to protect the labour rights of an estimated 50 million people affected by slavery worldwide. The idea came to them on a trip to Kolkata in 2012, where they met Aloka Mitra, a social activist who urged them to support the cause. The pair hosted the Force for Freedom gala together, taking to the red carpet in style to promote their passion project.
Princess Eugenie looked glamorous in a black satin midi dress with a thigh-high split from the designer Self-Portrait, a royal favourite. She paired the outfit with drop-down diamond earrings and a strappy silver heel to bring the look to life. Her makeup was bronzed and glowy, much like that of her sister Princess Beatrice and mother Sarah Duchess of York, who stood by her side.