King Charles III has decided that his brother, Prince Andrew, and Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will not be included in the royal family’s private Christmas festivities this year. This move is seen as a continuation of efforts to distance the monarchy from figures linked to serious scandals.
The decision follows recent reports that Ferguson maintained contact with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein after she had publicly condemned him over a decade ago. An email from Ferguson to Epstein, expressing gratitude for his friendship, surfaced earlier this month, reigniting public scrutiny.
While the Duke and Duchess of York attended last year’s celebrations, sources indicate the King now wishes for a lower profile from the couple at family events. Last Christmas, Ferguson was reportedly asked to help ensure Andrew did not attend following revelations about the prince’s own associations. The King is said to prefer avoiding further difficult decisions regarding their participation.
A spokesperson for Sarah Ferguson addressed the resurfaced email, stating it was sent under duress after Epstein threatened legal action. The spokesperson reiterated that the Duchess severed ties with Epstein once the full scope of the allegations against him became clear and that her primary concern remains with his victims.
This exclusion from the hallmark family gathering underscores the ongoing repercussions within the House of Windsor as it navigates the fallout from past associations.
