Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, daughters of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, will not attend the royal family’s traditional Easter church service at Windsor Castle this Sunday. With King Charles’s approval, the princesses have arranged alternative plans, marking their absence from the annual gathering.
This decision follows the serious allegations against their father, the former Duke of York, who was recently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid his controversial connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this, Beatrice and Eugenie participated in the royal Christmas celebrations at Sandringham last December, and sources indicate they will continue to be part of future family events.
The Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel will be attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other senior members of the royal family as per tradition.
READ MORE: Professional Women’s Rugby Eyes Expansion into British and Irish League
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Farmers Receive Support as Local Produce Prioritised Amid Crisis
However, the sisters have faced scrutiny themselves after their names appeared in documents released by the US Department of Justice linked to the Epstein case. Notably, email exchanges suggested their mother, Sarah Ferguson, arranged for the princesses to visit Epstein in the United States shortly after his release from prison for child sex crimes, when Beatrice and Eugenie were aged 19 and 20. In one correspondence from July 2009, Sarah Ferguson described Epstein as a “dear spectacular and special friend,” expressing pride in him.
Following Andrew’s removal of his Duke title and princely status by the monarch last year over the Epstein association, Beatrice and Eugenie retained their royal titles. The gravity of the situation deepened with allegations from the late Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and forced into sexual encounters with Andrew. Additional claims have emerged, including improper encounters between Andrew and other women connected to Epstein.
Andrew denies wrongdoing related to these allegations and the recent charges of improper conduct linked to his role as the UK’s trade envoy. Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson recently lost her Freedom of the City of York honor due to her Epstein associations. Eugenie also stepped down last month as patron of the charity Anti-Slavery International, a position she had held for seven years.
Despite the turmoil, the royal family continues its public engagements, with adjustments made in consideration of ongoing sensitivities within the family.