Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice view their royal status as their "identity", a York family friend has claimed, as the sisters face renewed pressure following the arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The investigation is examining allegations that the former prince may have passed confidential information to the late Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as UK trade envoy.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Beatrice and Eugenie view royal status as 'their identity' amid Andrew crisis
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The York sisters were raised within royal circles, with international travel, private flights and luxury holidays forming part of their upbringing.
Their father was understood to be instrumental in securing their status from birth, successfully pushing for both daughters to receive princess titles and the "Her Royal Highness" styling.
A family friend told People: "They want to hold on to their royal status. It's their identity."
When Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in October 2018, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor said: "It will not be the same as the previous one that was held in May," referencing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice were stripped of their 24/7 security in 2011 | INSTAGRAM: PRINCESS EUGENIEHe continued to tell ITV: "It's not a public wedding, this is meant to be a family wedding. There will be a few more people than most people have.
"There are a few more than Harry had, but that's just the nature of Eugenie and Jack; they've got so many friends, and they need a church of that size to fit them all in."
Both princesses have built careers in relationship-driven industries, with Beatrice working in international technology partnerships and Eugenie in the high-end art world.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has told GB News that the sisters' social standing as princesses helps with their charity work.
Andrew pictured with his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie | GETTYLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Beatrice pictured with her father, Andrew, in 2018 | GETTYHe told the People's Channel: "They won't voluntarily want to do it (give up their titles). And, of course, their charitable work depends on what happens with that."
The sisters continue to maintain residences at Kensington Palace and St James's Palace despite not serving as working royals.
The names of both Beatrice and Eugenie appear in documents connected to the Epstein investigation; however, inclusion in such files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Despite the scandals surrounding their parents, the York sisters were invited by King Charles to spend Christmas Day 2025 at Sandringham.
His Majesty is thought to be very fond of his nieces.