Home » ‘Their Lives Are CHANGED’: Emotional Princess Eugenie Fights Back Tears as She Meets Trafficking Survivors at Secret Safehouse

‘Their Lives Are CHANGED’: Emotional Princess Eugenie Fights Back Tears as She Meets Trafficking Survivors at Secret Safehouse

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Royal, 35, creates ‘You Are Strong’ cards with modern slavery victims as she hails Salvation Army’s ‘incredible’ work that transforms lives

Princess Eugenie made an emotional secret visit to a safehouse for human trafficking survivors, where she fought back tears while hearing harrowing stories of exploitation and created heartfelt messages of support for victims.

The 35-year-old royal, who co-founded the Anti-Slavery Collective charity in 2017, spent hours at the Salvation Army-run facility meeting survivors and staff, touring the safe space, and participating in a moving arts and crafts session with residents.

In powerful footage released today, Eugenie can be seen creating cards with the messages “You are strong” and drawing a “superwoman” flying with a cape – poignant symbols of resilience for those who have escaped modern slavery.

“The survivors I’ve met, their lives are changed because of the Salvation Army’s intervention,” the Princess declared, visibly moved by what she witnessed.

‘People Deserve to Be Looked After’

During her tour of the “wonderful” safehouse, Eugenie was shown various facilities designed to help survivors rebuild their lives, including a gym, multi-faith room, sensory space, and craft room where therapeutic activities help residents heal from their trauma.

The Princess, who is mother to August, four, and Ernest, two, made her feelings crystal clear as she toured alongside two residents who are recovering from their ordeals.

I think it’s really important that people know that human trafficking and modern slavery exist today,” Eugenie said passionately. “People deserve to be looked after and helped and supported.”

The royal reserved particular praise for the dedicated staff working at the facility, calling them “just incredible at what they do, they’re so dedicated.

Crafting Hope with Survivors

The most touching moment came when Eugenie sat down at a table adorned with Union Jack bunting to participate in a lino printing workshop with survivors.

Working alongside residents, the artistic Princess – who serves as a director at prestigious gallery Hauser & Wirth – created two meaningful designs that resonated deeply with those present.

One survivor shared the profound impact of the royal visit: “When we meet people like the Princess, we feel our voice is heard.

The simple yet powerful statement underscores how Eugenie’s presence helps amplify the voices of those who have suffered in silence for too long.

A Personal Mission Born from Shock

Eugenie’s commitment to fighting modern slavery stems from a life-changing visit to India with her parents, where she first encountered trafficking survivors who were rebuilding their lives through a tailoring social enterprise.

But it was a subsequent visit to a UK safehouse that truly opened her eyes to the scale of the problem on British soil.

I think that was so shocking,” the Princess has previously revealed. “[Modern slavery is] on our own doorstep when you think it is a million miles away.”

This realization prompted her to co-found the Anti-Slavery Collective with her school friend Julia de Boinville in 2017, with the charity raising over £1 million at its inaugural gala in 2023.

The Hidden Crisis

The scale of modern slavery in the UK is staggering. There has been a fivefold rise in victim referrals since 2011, with thousands currently receiving support through the Salvation Army’s government-funded network of safehouses across England and Wales.

There are more slaves now than there were in William Wilberforce’s time,” Eugenie has warned, referencing the famous abolitionist. “I think it’s such a huge problem but everyone can do their part to try and effect change.”

Survivors in these safehouses receive comprehensive support including counselling, medical help, legal advice, educational opportunities, and assistance finding employment and housing – all crucial elements in rebuilding shattered lives.

‘Life-Changing’ Intervention

The Princess was particularly moved by stories of survivors who had endured decades of abuse from traffickers and criminal gangs running forced labour operations.

“I wanted to make a difference and educate people that this is happening, and the Salvation Army were a huge part of my learning of this subject,” Eugenie explained.

She emphasized the importance of collaboration between organizations: “It’s so important that charities like the Salvation Army and my charity, the Anti-Slavery Collective, work together to support and make a difference and make a change.”

Royal Recognition Makes a Difference

Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of the Salvation Army’s Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, has praised the royal’s involvement in raising awareness of this hidden crime.

The charity has noted that high-profile support from figures like Princess Eugenie helps shine a crucial spotlight on modern slavery, encouraging the public to learn how to spot the signs and report suspicions.

During lockdown, when victims became even more hidden, the Salvation Army saw a 14% drop in referrals – not because exploitation decreased, but because opportunities to identify victims diminished dramatically.

A Growing Royal Mission

While Princess Eugenie doesn’t carry out official royal duties, her anti-slavery work has become a defining feature of her public life. She has:

The Princess was also recently announced as a mentor for The King’s Foundation 35 under 35 programme, further cementing her role as a young royal making a real difference.

The Fight Continues

As Eugenie left the safehouse after her emotional visit, her message was clear: this is not a problem that can be ignored.

“It’s definitely something that I’m going to shout about,” she has vowed. “I think raising awareness is such a huge part of modern slavery because no one knows it’s going on as much as it is.”

The Princess’s genuine compassion and hands-on approach – from sitting with survivors to creating art together – demonstrates a new generation of royals willing to tackle society’s darkest problems head-on.

For the survivors who met her, the impact was profound. As one simply put it: “Our voice is heard.”

And in a world where modern slavery victims are often invisible, having a Princess amplify their stories might just be the catalyst for the change they desperately need.

If you suspect someone might be a victim of modern slavery, call The Salvation Army’s 24/7 confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.

Image credit:
Princess Eugenie of York on Christmas Day 2017 by Mark Jones, Wikimedia CommonsCC BY 2.0

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