The approaching holiday season presents a personal challenge for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as they navigate divided loyalties within their family.
Their father, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, will reportedly be absent from the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham. This follows the recent, formal removal of his royal titles and his required departure from the Royal Lodge, a property owned by the Crown.
This development places his daughters in a difficult position. While it is anticipated that both princesses, who remain working members of the royal family, will attend the official festivities, concerns have been raised about their father spending the holiday alone. Their mother, Sarah Ferguson, who continues to reside at the Royal Lodge, is said to be considering other invitations, potentially leaving Andrew without company.
The situation stems from the long-standing controversy surrounding Andrew, which intensified with allegations of sexual assault made by Virginia Giuffre. Although a civil lawsuit was settled out of court, the scandal profoundly damaged his reputation and his standing within the monarchy. In a decisive move this autumn, King Charles initiated the process that stripped his brother of his princely style and titles.
Despite the severe sanctions against their father, Beatrice and Eugenie have retained their own positions and titles. Observers note that the sisters are now caught between their public duties and private familial bonds, a tension that will come into sharp focus this December as they decide where—and with whom—to celebrate.
