Princess Beatrice has decided to spend Christmas on a skiing holiday abroad with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and friends, turning down invitations from both sides of her family.
The 37-year-old princess declined an offer to join her parents, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, at Royal Lodge for what would be their final festive season at the Windsor property.
She also passed on the opportunity to celebrate with King Charles and other senior royals at Sandringham.
Her younger sister, Princess Eugenie, 35, faces a similar predicament, although she is expected to spend the holiday with her husband, Jack Brooksbank.
Princess Beatrice has decided to spend Christmas on a skiing holiday abroad with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and friends, turning down invitations from both sides of her family.
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Beatrice confided to friends that she felt torn between the competing invitations to join the royals at Sandringham or her exiled parents at their Windsor residence.
A friend explained: "Beatrice doesn't want to cause any embarrassment and was torn between loyalty to the King and her parents."
The source added: "She appreciates the way that the King and William have looked after her during everything that has been happening with Andrew and Sarah."
Rather than appearing to snub either party, the princess determined it was simpler to travel abroad with friends, according to The Sun.
Beatrice confided to friends that she felt torn between the competing invitations to join the royals at Sandringham or her exiled parents at their Windsor residence.
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Both sisters did attend the pre-Christmas family lunch at Buckingham Palace, demonstrating their continued connection to the wider Royal Family despite the difficult circumstances.
Meanwhile, Royal Lodge presents a notably sombre picture this festive season. For the first time in two decades since Andrew took up residence, no decorations have appeared outside the property.
The twin wreaths that hung on the gates last year remain absent, and the Christmas tree traditionally displayed on the roof has not been installed.
Andrew has been granted twelve months to vacate the property, though the practicalities of relocating may extend the process by several additional months.
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An insider described the atmosphere surrounding Andrew as grim, saying: "With everything that's gone on, he's very much like the Grinch. It's clear this year that festive cheer is in short supply."
This Christmas marks Andrew's last at Royal Lodge following his decision to surrender the lease in October, when the King removed his royal titles amid the escalating Epstein crisis.
Andrew has been granted twelve months to vacate the property, though the practicalities of relocating may extend the process by several additional months.
Despite the family rift, the monarch will continue to provide financial support for his brother's future, including accommodation on the Sandringham estate.
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