Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s true feelings about their parents have come to light, revealing the emotional challenges they face after their father, Prince Andrew, and mother, Sarah Ferguson, were stripped of their royal titles last year.
Both Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson lost standing within the royal establishment amid scrutiny over their ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At 65, Andrew was stripped of his Duke of York and prince titles by King Charles, while 66-year-old Sarah ceased using her Duchess of York title. Nevertheless, the sisters retained their princess titles and their formal roles within the House of York.
Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, took part in the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day walk from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church. Notably, Prince Andrew reportedly stayed behind at the family estate during the festivities.
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According to a close friend speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Eugenie, who founded the Anti-Slavery Collective to fight sex trafficking, has severed contact with her father, citing his failure to apologize to Epstein’s victims. The insider likened the estrangement to that of “Brooklyn Beckham level,” indicating a complete cut-off. Despite this, some sources say Eugenie hopes to rebuild their relationship in the future.
The friend shared, “There is no contact at all, nothing.” Meanwhile, Andrew himself has consistently denied any wrongdoing linked to Epstein. Another insider revealed that Andrew has distanced himself to protect his daughters from further fallout, adding, “Andrew’s main concern is that his daughters are not tainted by his difficulties.”
They also noted that Beatrice and Eugenie “feel very sorry” for their parents and maintain communication to ensure their well-being. Both Andrew and Sarah remain keen for their daughters to stay connected to the Royal Family and supported their presence during Christmas in Norfolk.
Beyond losing their titles, Andrew and Sarah faced the additional blow of being asked by the King to leave Royal Lodge, their expansive 30-room home at Windsor. Andrew plans to move to Marsh Farm, just two miles from Sandringham House. Reports surfaced recently of moving trucks arriving at Royal Lodge to facilitate the transition.
Royal commentators have speculated on Andrew’s motives in encouraging his daughters to attend royal events like the Christmas walk. Royal expert Ingrid Seward suggested that Andrew uses his daughters as a means to stay informed and involved in royal affairs. On The Sun’s Royal Exclusive podcast, she remarked, “Andrew said to them, ‘You have to go’. He wants to keep a foot in… The girls are my passport — they’re Andrew’s only connection to the Royal Family now.”
Another royal analyst, Charlie Ray, echoed these sentiments, expressing sympathy for the princesses amid their difficult situation. He added, “Andrew wants to keep an eye on what’s going on in the Royal Family, which is understandable… But they have done the right thing to go to Sandringham with the King, though they must be cautious.”
Facing the public spotlight due to their parents’ controversies, Beatrice and Eugenie appear determined to maintain their royal duties while managing the personal complexities of family loyalty and public scandal.