Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are facing what has been described as a “very difficult” choice over where to spend Christmas as scrutiny over their parents deepens.
Royal author Phil Dampier claimed the sisters “may feel it would be unfair” to join King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham if their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are not welcome.
It follows claims that the Duke and Duchess of York, both 65, have been told to stay away from the Royal Family’s Christmas gathering after it was revealed Fergie privately apologised to Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 for publicly distancing herself from him.
Mr Dampier said: “If it turns out they are not invited, or decide themselves not to go, then it makes it very difficult for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Andrew's daughters face 'unfair' dilemma despite William's 'good relationship with Beatrice and Eugenie'
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“They may feel it would be unfair of them to go when their parents aren’t there, and it simply rubs salt in their wounds.
“The King has a soft spot for both Beatrice and Eugenie and feels sorry for the situation they are in.
“So it’s a real dilemma for him and one he could do without.”
He continued to tell the Mail that Prince William “does have a good relationship with his cousins” and would not want them excluded.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice at Prince William's garden party in 2024
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The Yorks, who continue to share Royal Lodge in Windsor despite divorcing in 1996, are said to have been asked to remain “invisible” at future royal events.
A source told The Sunday Times: “You can’t sack someone from being your brother. But this year, if the duke and duchess were both to be as honourable [as last year], it would be very much for the best and the family would not be disappointed, not least to avoid the King having to make any more difficult decisions.”
Last Christmas, Eugenie spent the holiday with her husband, Jack Brooksbank’s family, while Beatrice joined the royals at Sandringham.
Apart from 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions were in place, the sisters have consistently attended the family’s Christmas celebration.
Princess Beatrice celebrated Christmas Day without her parents and younger sister in 2024
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Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie pictured at Sandringham back in 2023
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Sarah Ferguson has faced intense criticism since it was revealed she sent Epstein a private email in 2011 calling him a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend,” weeks after vowing publicly to cut ties.
The Duchess wrote that the message came “from the truth of my heart,” and admitted she only spoke out earlier to protect her career as a children’s author.
Friends of the Duchess have said she was “devastated for any embarrassment” caused and “will explain herself to the wider Royal Family in due course.”
Her spokesman, James Henderson, told the Telegraph that the email followed a “really menacing and nasty” phone call from Epstein, describing his tone as having a “Hannibal Lecter-type voice.”
King Charles is understood to favour discreet appearances by the Yorks if they attend family events, with sources saying he would prefer them to enter and leave quietly.