Princess Eugenie has opened up about her holiday that sparked the royal’s lifelong mission.
The Princess of York, 34, has opened up about her life-changing trip to India alongside her mother, Sarah Ferguson, and best friend, Julia de Boinville.
The visit ultimately led Eugenie to co-found The Anti-Slavery Collective, a nonprofit organisation that works to end modern slavery and human trafficking.
Eugenie said: “My mum took Julia and I to India when we were 21.
Princess Eugenie opens up about her holiday that sparked lifelong mission
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“In Calcutta, we met Aloka Mitra, who has led programmes supporting vulnerable women and children in India for over 35 years and is one of the most inspirational women I have ever met.
“Aloka introduced us to a group of teenage girls she had rescued from modern slavery.
“Hearing their harrowing stories of abuse, neglect and exploitation was heartbreaking but also deeply inspiring.
“I felt that if this group of young women had the strength and resilience to reclaim their lives, that we also had a responsibility to do something.”
Princess Eugenie with co-founder of Anti-Slavery Collective Julia de Boinville during a visit to the Anti-Slavery Collective art exhibitionPAThe royal continued to tell People: “Jules and I spent several years learning more, doing our research and meeting with experts, and in 2017 we set up The Anti-Slavery Collective.
“All these years later, I will never forget those young women; their stories continue to inspire me to this day.”
Princess Eugenie is currently promoting “My Epiphany,” the Anti-Slavery Collective’s series of short films.
The short films are featured on the charity’s website and social media channels, and Eugenie also shares the clips on her Instagram page.
Princess Eugenie previously shed light on summer holiday with two children in ‘beautiful’ moment
Princess Eugenie / Instagram
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Princess Eugenie works to end modern slavery worldwide
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The series features personal stories from journalists, activists, CEOs, and former police officers, all united in the fight against modern slavery.
In addition to raising awareness of modern slavery, one of the Anti-Slavery Collective’s key goals is to provide education in schools and communities.
The charity is working toward the UN’s objective of ending the global pandemic of modern slavery by 2030.
Supported by Princess Beatrice (who also serves as a strategic advisor to the charity), the Duchess of York, Zara Tindall, and a host of celebrities, Eugenie and de Boinville organised their first gala for the Anti-Slavery Collective in November 2023.