Princess Beatrice was reportedly left “in tears” following the disastrous Newsnight interview of her father, Prince Andrew, a moment she helped organise. The interview, intended to address Andrew’s controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein, became a public relations nightmare and led to significant consequences for the Duke of York.
In the wake of growing scrutiny, King Charles’ younger brother was stripped of his final royal titles after mounting pressure related to his Epstein connections. Meanwhile, Beatrice and her sister Eugenie are said to be more upset with their mother, Sarah Ferguson, after she referred to Andrew as a “supreme friend” in an interview and later apologized for her remarks.
The sisters, who maintain close relationships with both their parents, reportedly left the UK amid the turmoil but have remained silent publicly about the recent developments.
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The infamous Newsnight interview took place six years ago, shortly after Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. As public scrutiny intensified, Andrew agreed to speak publicly to address the scandal.
Beatrice was reportedly involved in discussions with her father and Newsnight executives prior to the interview, with one executive, Sam McAlister, revealing in a memoir that Beatrice asked “sensible questions” before the broadcast. Despite hopes for a measured discussion, the interview quickly spiraled into a damaging spectacle.
Following the interview, Andrew stepped back from public life and was stripped of his military affiliations and royal titles. Beatrice was said to be “mortified” that she had not done more to prevent the damaging broadcast and was described as “quite tearful at times” in the days after. Sources revealed that she has reportedly been in tears daily ever since the interview aired.
Sources close to the family noted that both Sarah Ferguson and Andrew heavily rely on Beatrice’s judgment when managing their public image, praising her maturity and composure despite the pressure. However, the odds were clearly stacked against her in this difficult situation.
During the interview, Andrew made several contentious claims, including his inability to sweat and anecdotes of family trips to Pizza Express, as well as denying any wrongdoing. He stated that he ceased contact with Epstein after 2006, although it later emerged that he visited Epstein in 2010, claiming it was to tell him their association was inappropriate.
Recent reports allege Andrew maintained contact with Epstein beyond these dates, alongside serious allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was forced to have sex with Andrew as a minor. Andrew denies all allegations.
In response to the continuing scandal, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles has initiated formal proceedings to remove Prince Andrew’s style, titles, and honours, and issued notice for the relinquishment of Royal Lodge, his residence. The Palace also expressed its support for all victims of abuse.