Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie reportedly "don't see why they should slope away like criminals when they've done nothing wrong".
The sisters have been seen on a number of occasions since the release of the Epstein files, which show their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, being named and pictured numerous times.
Their presence in the files does not indicate any wrongdoing.
A friend of the princesses said they still "have a great sense of public duty" despite the situation they find themselves in.
"They were always happy to carry out engagements when asked by their grandmother [Queen Elizabeth II] or by other members of the family. They don't see why they should slope away like criminals when they've done nothing wrong," the friend told the Mail.
A friend of the princesses said 'they don't see why they should slope away'
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There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Princess Eugenie or her sister Princess Beatrice.
Eugenie recently stepped down from her role as patron of British-based charity Anti-Slavery International.
The youngest daughter of the former Duke and Duchess of York has supported the organisation for years, highlighting the victims of modern slavery and trafficking.
As revealed by The Observer, the princess's profile has been removed from the charity's website, and her role with the organisation has ended.
The sisters feel they 'have a great sense of public duty'
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In a statement, Anti-Slavery International wrote: "After seven years, our patronage from HRH Princess Eugenie of York has come to an end.
"We thank the princess very much for her support for Anti-Slavery International.
"We hope that she continues to work to end slavery for good and deliver freedom for everyone."
A photograph featuring Eugenie's sister, Beatrice, from a 2016 trip with a British man who was recently arrested on suspicion of spying for China has also been revealed.
Eugenie recently stepped down from her role as patron of British-based charity Anti-Slavery International.
| PADavid Taylor, who is the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid, was arrested on March 4.
After her husband's arrest, Ms Reid said "I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law" and reiterated that she was not herself the subject of any allegations.
Mr Taylor has not yet responded to the allegations.
The nine-day journey in 2016 saw Mr Taylor and the princess among a group of seven individuals who journeyed through Asia by car.
Princess Beatrice was seen alongside David Taylor, who is now on bail after his arrest on suspicion of spying for China
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There is no suggestion whatsoever that Beatrice had any knowledge of Mr Taylor's alleged activities.
The charitable expedition was arranged by the Franks Family Foundation, a philanthropic organisation where Beatrice serves as patron.
Simon Franks, the foundation's sole funder, explained the work the princess has done for the charity
"Princess Beatrice has worked tirelessly for the foundation for over a decade, supporting our education and public health projects in Laos, Cambodia and Nepal, to which she has travelled on many occasions for the foundation," Mr Franks told The i.
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