Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have chosen not to attend the royal family’s traditional Easter celebrations, a decision made with their uncle, King Charles III’s, understanding. The sisters, daughters of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and Sarah Ferguson, are instead spending the holiday privately, marking a noticeable shift from their usual participation in royal gatherings.
The absence of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie from key royal events reflects the ongoing impact of controversies surrounding Andrew and his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Public scrutiny intensified following a series of developments, including Andrew’s 2019 BBC interview addressing his relationship with Epstein, which led to his withdrawal from public royal duties.
In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth II revoked Andrew’s military titles and royal patronages after a U.S. court ruled that a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre could move forward. The case was ultimately settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, while Andrew consistently denied all allegations made against him.
Public scrutiny intensified again in early 2025, following the emergence of additional communications linked to Andrew and Epstein, as well as Giuffre’s memoir, released before her death in April 2025. In the book, she wrote that Andrew “believed having sex with me was his birthright,” and described alleged encounters arranged by Epstein when she was 17.
In October 2025, King Charles responded to this renewed attention by removing further royal titles and honors from his brother, thereby drawing a firmer line between the monarchy’s public responsibilities and Andrew’s personal controversies.
By early 2026, this ongoing situation had inevitably affected Beatrice and Eugenie, who — despite not being accused of wrongdoing — found themselves navigating the consequences of familial association. On March 30, 2026, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles and Queen Camilla would attend the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, accompanied by several senior royals, in keeping with longstanding tradition.
While Beatrice and Eugenie were present at Christmas celebrations alongside their husbands, their Easter absence highlighted a more cautious public role. Reports also indicated that the sisters will not attend Royal Ascot in June, a staple event on the royal calendar. According to a Daily Mail source:
“I’ve spoken to my friend who works at Ascot, and they said the girls have been told they can’t be there this year.”
The insider added:
“Beatrice has taken it the hardest. She’s been completely blindsided by all of this.”
Their decision to step back from public events comes amid ongoing scrutiny of their father throughout 2025 and into 2026. As media attention continues to focus on his past associations, Beatrice and Eugenie have maintained a relatively low profile, stepping back from high-visibility engagements while still remaining connected to family occasions behind the scenes.
The above claims, while strongly denied by Andrew, have contributed to ongoing reputational challenges for the York family. Observers noted that the absence of the two princesses from high-profile events may serve to protect both their personal lives and the broader institution. While they are expected to attend future family gatherings, their current approach reflects a careful balance between loyalty and public responsibility.
The royal family continues to evolve under public scrutiny. What do you think about Beatrice and Eugenie stepping back from major events? Do you feel it’s fair? Let us know, and then pass this on to other royal family watchers you know.
