Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are said to be "heartbroken" after their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, as their "focus is on protecting their own children".
The sisters have not commented since the former Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with only Eugenie being seen on a half-term ski break in the exclusive Swiss resort of Gstaad.
Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, have maintained their relationships with Andrew and Sarah Ferguson during the release of the Epstein files.
But the pair are said to be trying to stay away from the situation that their parents find themselves in.
The sisters are said to be 'heartbroken' by the recent developments | GETTYTRENDING
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"They have young children, and this is their grandfather - their focus is on protecting their own children from this," a source told People.
Beatrice, who married property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020, shares two daughters: Sienna and Athena.
Mr Mapelli Mozzi has one other child, Christopher Woolf, from a previous relationship.
While Eugenie, who married Jack Brooksbank in 2018, has two sons: August and Ernest.
The princesses share two children of their own with their partners, with Mr Mapelli Mozzi having a son from a previous relationship
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As well as looking after their families, the source continued: "They're also putting pieces of the puzzle together in real time and realising they may have been used.
"That has to feel like a complete betrayal. They're heartbroken - but a dad is still your dad, and a mum is still your mum. Love for a parent isn't a light switch.
"It's an incredibly painful and introspective moment for them."
Eugenie is believed to be in Switzerland after she was spotted with her family at Restaurant Waldmatte, a traditional Alpine establishment located on the slopes.
Eugenie is believed to be in Switzerland on a ski break
| GETTYThe eatery, known for serving classic Swiss fare including potato rosti and Viennese sausage, features an expansive sun-drenched terrace with mountain views, though the group opted to remain indoors.
A fellow diner who observed the party during their Wednesday lunchtime visit described the scene to Hello: "Eugenie and Jack were with the children, the nanny and a group of friends.
"They were tucked away in a corner and casually dressed in ski gear and jackets, and Jack was wearing a beanie hat as they both browsed the menu."
They added: "I was surprised to see her because I thought she would be keeping a low profile in light of everything that has been going on."
The couple have taken their two children to Switzerland on holiday
| GETTYOn Thursday morning, Andrew was taken into custody at Wood Farm on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The allegations centre on claims he passed on confidential information whilst serving as a UK trade envoy.
King Charles's brother was released on Thursday evening after spending 11 hours in police custody on his 66th birthday.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links and has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
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