A prominent international art gallery, where a member of the British royal family serves as a director, is facing legal action over allegations it breached sanctions imposed on Russia. The case has sparked commentary in certain circles, drawing unwelcome parallels to past controversies involving the royal’s immediate family.
The gallery, Hauser & Wirth, has been charged with making a luxury good—specifically, a painting—available to an individual connected to Russia. The alleged offense occurred in 2022, following the comprehensive ban on exporting luxury items to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. The gallery has stated it strongly contests the charge and intends to plead not guilty.
The royal figure, Princess Eugenie, has been a director at the gallery since 2015. However, official court documents and the gallery itself confirm she is not implicated in the specific charge, does not sit on the company’s board, and was not involved in the transaction in question.
Nevertheless, the situation has attracted significant media attention. Sources suggest the princess finds the surrounding discussion embarrassing, though she remains confident in her own conduct. Observers note that the incident has, perhaps unfairly, revived talk of the high-profile scandals that have previously involved her parents.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for later this year. The prosecution follows an investigation by British tax authorities. This case is part of a broader enforcement of sanctions regulations, which have already led to several convictions and prison sentences for violations related to art sales and financial dealings with sanctioned entities.
A spokesperson for Hauser & Wirth reiterated the company’s commitment to legal compliance but declined further comment due to the active case.
