Andrew kept out of royal Christmas as Beatrice-Eugenie make appearance
What's the story
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie attended the royal family's Christmas gathering at Sandringham. Their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), and mother, Sarah Ferguson, were notably absent from the event. The sisters' presence was unexpected, as there had been speculation that they would skip both royal celebrations and spend the holiday with their parents due to recent family drama.
Holiday choice
Sisters' decision to join royal family
Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, were seen walking behind Princess Anne, just after King Charles and Queen Camilla, en route to St. Mary Magdalene Church. Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice was spotted with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, at the back of the group. Neither sister brought their young children along for the Christmas walk.
Title turmoil
Family drama and royal titles
The sisters' decision to join the royal family comes after their father was stripped of his royal titles by King Charles. This decision came amid renewed scrutiny over Mountbatten-Windsor's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. A recently released photo shows the former prince in a compromising position with women at Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham House, with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's close confidant, also visible in the image.
Home eviction
Last Christmas at Royal Lodge for Mountbatten-Windsor and Ferguson
This Christmas marks the last holiday season for Mountbatten-Windsor and Ferguson at Royal Lodge, their longtime family home. They have until January 31 to vacate the residence. The impending move had fueled rumors that Beatrice and Eugenie might have chosen to spend the holiday with their parents this year.
Title removal
Mountbatten-Windsor's removal of royal titles and honors
Mountbatten-Windsor stepped back from his public royal role in 2019 after a controversial BBC interview about his relationship with Epstein. Queen Elizabeth removed him from military titles and patronages in early 2022 after a judge rejected his attempt to have Virginia Giuffre's sexual assault lawsuit dismissed. He later settled with Giuffre out of court.