Princess Eugenie lent her support to The King’s Foundation this week by mentoring emerging talent in its 35 under 35 network. The youngest daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor participated in a mentoring session held in London on Tuesday, despite the continuing controversy surrounding her father.
During the session, Eugenie delivered the introductory address, sharing how her passion for art has profoundly influenced her career path. In a statement released by The King’s Foundation, she said, “It was fantastic to spend more time with the 35 under 35, who are such an incredible group of talented young people. I have enjoyed getting to know them better and hearing about their work and aspirations, and look forward to supporting their journeys into the future. My career has been shaped by a passion for the arts, so it’s a pleasure to be working with The King’s Foundation to support this inspirational group of artists and creatives.”
The mentoring event took place just before a legal hearing for Hauser & Wirth, the contemporary art gallery where Eugenie serves as a director. On Wednesday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Hauser & Wirth faced allegations of breaching Russian sanctions by making a luxury artwork, “Escape from Humanity” by George Condo, available to someone connected to Russia between April and December 2022. Importantly, there is no indication that Princess Eugenie was involved in the alleged transaction. The case is set to continue at Southwark Crown Court on December 16.
READ MORE: Inside Gloucester Rugby’s Search for a New Director of Rugby
READ MORE: Liam Sercombe Joins Weston-super-Mare on Loan from Forest Green Rovers
The King’s Foundation’s 35 under 35 initiative, launched in its 35th anniversary year, seeks to drive global change through sustainability, traditional crafts, and the arts—reflecting King Charles’s vision. Meanwhile, fresh documents emerging Wednesday renewed focus on Prince Andrew, including an email from Jeffrey Epstein that appears to confirm the authenticity of a photograph showing Andrew with one of his sex abuse accusers, Virginia Giuffre. In another communication, Andrew reportedly urged Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell to clarify that he was not implicated in their alleged crimes, saying, “I can’t take any more of this.”
Hauser & Wirth issued a statement responding to the charges: “Our UK gallery has been charged with one instance of making an item of artwork available to a non-sanctioned person connected with Russia. We are fully committed to complying with all our legal obligations, including sanctions. As the case is ongoing, we are unable to comment further other than to say we strongly contest this charge and intend to plead not guilty.”