Princess Eugenie reflects on life's work: 'We also had a responsibility to do something'

Princess Eugenie has reflected on her life's work to end modern day slavery, recalling the experience that lead her to co-found The Anti-Slavery Collective.

The British royal said it was on a trip to India with her mother Sarah Ferguson and best friend and fellow anti-slavery advocate Julia de Boinville in an exclusive interview with People that she found her calling.

"My Mum took Julia and I to India when we were 21. In Calcutta, we met Aloka Mitra, who has led programs supporting vulnerable women and children in India for over 35 years and is one of the most inspirational women I have ever met," Eugenie, 34, told the publication.

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"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," she explained.

"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," the royal added.

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Next, she and de Boinville began planning their advocacy work.

"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," she said.

The pair launched a video series called My Epiphany, showcasing personal stories from journalists, activists, CEOs, and former police officer united in the cause.

This includes British journalist Julie Etchingham whose video launched the series on Anti-Slavery Day on October 18.

In addition to her advocacy work Eugenie has a job at art gallery Hauser & Wirth.

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She also volunteers for the charity Children in Crisis.

Eugenie is mum to sons August, three, and Ernest, one with husband Jack Brooksbank whom she married in 2018.

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She is 11th in line to the British throne.

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