Royal Sisters' Christmas Decision 'Speaks Volumes' Amid Epstein Controversy
A royal author has declared that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's recent decision involving King Charles "speaks volumes" amid the ongoing controversy surrounding their parents' connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The sisters chose to accompany King Charles and other senior royals on the traditional Christmas walkabout at Sandringham last year, while their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, were notably absent.
Parental Controversies and Royal Distancing
The choice follows persistent controversy regarding Andrew and Sarah's historical associations with the late financier Epstein. Andrew has consistently expressed regret over the friendship while firmly denying any wrongdoing. Despite his denials, he was stripped of his royal titles and ordered to vacate Royal Lodge. Multiple charities have severed ties with Sarah due to her Epstein connections.
Last year, representatives for the former Duchess of York claimed certain emails were written under pressure and did not reflect her genuine views. However, as more Epstein files emerge, further correspondence appears to show additional communication between Sarah and Epstein.
Revealed Correspondence and Family Impact
In these communications, Sarah allegedly referred to the sex offender as "a legend," made jokes about wanting to marry him, and included a crude comment about her eldest daughter. The emails, which Sarah has not publicly addressed, were reportedly written after Epstein's conviction for sexual crimes.
It has also been suggested that she brought her daughters, then aged 19 and 20, to visit Epstein just days following his release from prison. While the correspondence does not indicate criminal activity, royal biographer Robert Jobson believes the disclosures have left Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice "overwhelmed and aghast."
"The girls have been sympathetic to her, but that might start to unravel," Jobson told Hello! Magazine. "You have to wonder if they will ever be seen in public with her again."
Symbolic Christmas Choice and Future Implications
Discussing their Christmas decision, Jobson added: "Their choice to spend Christmas with the King instead of their parents speaks volumes. It's sad for them, but the real tragedy is for the victims." The sisters are not thought to be abandoning their father entirely, with Beatrice recently spotted visiting him at Windsor.
Meanwhile, PR specialist Kayley Cornelius has offered her perspective on what could be next for the princesses as they maintain their silence throughout the controversy. Cornelius has cautioned against any attempt to remove their royal titles, stating: "I believe giving up their royal titles could backfire."
"At a time when public feeling is largely sympathetic, stepping away from those titles may feel unnecessary and premature. Giving up such a title should be a last resort," she explained. "Under the current circumstances, it could unintentionally suggest guilt or wrongdoing, inviting further scrutiny rather than closure."
Royal Protocol and Strategic Positioning
Any decision to strip the sisters' titles would rest with King Charles, and there are currently no indications that such action is being considered. "Public sympathy for Eugenie and Beatrice will be at an all-time high," Cornelius added. "The smartest approach is visibility without overexposure. Turning up, showing consistency, and quietly getting on with meaningful work will speak far louder than any formal statement ever could."
Ultimately, she concluded that the sisters' goal "isn't reinvention, but evolution" as they navigate the complex fallout from their parents' associations while maintaining their positions within the royal family structure.
