Buckingham Palace is confronting another potential public relations crisis following revelations about Princess Eugenie's previous employment arrangements. The younger daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson once worked for a company founded by a businessman with direct ties to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The Controversial Connection
Newly uncovered documents show that Princess Eugenie, 34, previously held a position at a London-based art gallery called Hauser & Wirth. The establishment was co-founded by Iwan Wirth, whose name appears repeatedly in the recently unsealed Epstein court files.
Wirth, a prominent Swiss art dealer, maintained professional and social connections with Epstein for years, despite the financier's 2008 conviction for sex offences. The association raises serious questions about the royal household's vetting procedures for family members' employment.
Timing and Royal Implications
The princess's employment at the gallery occurred between 2015 and 2017, during which she worked as an associate director. This period overlaps with her father Prince Andrew's own controversial association with Epstein, which culminated in the Duke of York stepping back from royal duties in 2019.
A palace insider expressed concern: "This creates another unwelcome connection to the Epstein scandal at a time when the royal family is trying to move forward. The vetting process for royal employment clearly needs reviewing."
Sarah Ferguson's Reaction
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has remained silent on her daughter's employment history. However, sources close to the family suggest she's "deeply concerned" about the potential fallout.
Ferguson herself has faced criticism for her own financial dealings, including accepting money from Epstein to help pay off debts in 2010 - a decision she later described as a "giant error of judgment."
Broader Royal Consequences
This revelation comes at a sensitive time for the monarchy, with King Charles III attempting to modernise the institution while maintaining public trust. The repeated connections between royal family members and Epstein continue to pose significant reputational risks.
Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter noted: "Each new Epstein connection damages the royal family's credibility. There needs to be greater transparency about how these associations are allowed to develop."
The palace has yet to issue an official statement regarding Princess Eugenie's former employment, but pressure is mounting for a comprehensive review of royal vetting procedures to prevent similar situations arising in future.
