Cressida Bonas Supports Princess Eugenie at Anti-Slavery Gala

At the forefront of the battle against modern slavery, The Anti Slavery Collective's inaugural Winter Gala held at the Battersea Arts Centre became a beacon of hope and a display of unity. The event saw the convergence of royalty, celebrity, and activism, with Princess Eugenie spearheading the efforts. She was joined by notable figures, including her former sister-in-law, Cressida Bonas, signaling a united front in this crucial fight.

Cressida Bonas, an actress and model known for her past relationship with Prince Harry, graced the occasion looking resplendent in a strapless pink and red gown. Despite the transition in her personal life from a royal girlfriend (2012-2014) to a supportive ex, Bonas's commitment to the causes important to the royals she remains close to is unwavering. Her attendance was much more than a fashionable statement — it was an act of solidarity.

The charity, co-founded by Princess Eugenie and her friend Julia de Boinville in 2017, has taken a vehement stance against modern slavery, an issue hidden within the underbelly of societies worldwide. According to the International Labour Organization, over 40 million people are in modern slavery, including 25 million in forced labor and 15 million in forced marriage.

The evening's glamor was matched by the high stakes of the cause. Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, James Blunt — they and others lent their celebrity to the cause, illuminating the need for awareness and action. Performances from Ed Sheeran, The London Essentials, and Dream Choir—a group of modern slavery survivors—were poignant reminders of the pervasiveness of this issue and the power of recovery and resilience.

The event not only brought attention to the cause but also raised a substantial sum of over £1 million, signifying the potential for change that lies within collective effort. The star-studded attendee list included Natalie Pinkham, Ayda Field, Camila Alves McConaughey, and Gabriela Hearst among others, each dressed to the nines, but more importantly, present in support of the initiative.

Princess Eugenie's speech was a moving declaration of intent, a clarion call for action that does not end at the gala. She advocated for a systemic response, inviting collaboration across spectrums—from enforcement agencies to journalists, from NGOs to individuals—all must unite in the fight against the trafficking and enslavement of human beings.

One night at the gala has ignited a conversation that extends far beyond the walls of the Battersea Arts Centre, calling upon society to acknowledge and act upon the hidden epidemic of modern slavery. The partnership of the old and new, of royalty and civilians, is pivotal in carrying this movement forward—proving that no matter the range of our reach, the fight against injustice is a common ground upon which all can stand.