Royal Fallout: The Lingering Impact of Epstein on Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

As scandal continues to surround former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, scrutiny has also focused on his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their mother, Sarah Ferguson. The princesses have maintained relatively low profiles amid the ongoing fallout from their father’s association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with Ferguson’s current whereabouts largely unknown and subject to speculation.

A Growing Focus on Titles and Royal Status

Recent media attention has centered on Beatrice and Eugenie’s royal titles, accommodations within royal residences, and their positions within the line of succession. “It’s very difficult with both their parents in different ways implicated with this terrible scandal,” said Chandrika Kaul, a professor of modern history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. “It’s difficult for them because at a personal level … they must feel in some way part of the problem, but at another level, they probably wish to distance themselves.”

Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, are ninth and twelfth in the line of succession, respectively. Both have established careers outside of formal royal duties and maintain family homes independent of royal properties, although also retaining accommodations within royal residences.

Philanthropy and Public Perception

Over the years, both princesses have engaged in philanthropic work, though Eugenie recently stepped down as patron of the charity Anti-Slavery International. Despite the scandal, there appears to be some public sympathy for Beatrice, and Eugenie. “People are not associating them with the actions of their parents,” noted Justin Vovk, a royal historian and member of the advisory board of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada.

Vovk suggests this sympathy stems from a distinction between knowledge and proximity. “Obviously, there’s no doubt about the fact that Beatrice and Eugenie had proximity to Epstein. We know about Sarah taking them on that very ill-advised lunch meeting in Miami after Epstein was released from prison,” he said. “But I suppose what is preserving them in the public eye for the time being is the fact that … there’s no indication of them being involved in anything that their parents were involved with.”

Calls for Renunciation of Titles

The princesses have faced increasing media curiosity and speculation regarding their status. Some have called for them to renounce their titles. Kaul believes this would be well-received by the public, citing the example of Zara Tindall, Princess Anne’s daughter, who does not use a royal title and has successfully established her own career. “Zara has managed that really well … I don’t think the public necessarily feel that she’s not part of the Royal Family,” Kaul said.

There is also speculation that King William may remove their titles upon his ascension to the throne, mirroring similar actions taken in Denmark and the Netherlands. Vovk noted that the removal of Prince Andrew’s titles does not automatically affect Beatrice and Eugenie’s entitlements. “As male-line granddaughters of the sovereign, they are fully entitled to the residences, to the place in the succession, to their titles,” he explained.

Maintaining Family Privacy

The extent of the princesses’ personal relationships with other members of the Royal Family remains unclear. “We have heard everything from Eugenie is still really close with Prince Harry” to reports that “the rest of the Royals are fed up with the girls and want them out,” said Vovk. He believes the Royal Family has intentionally maintained a degree of privacy surrounding these relationships. “Any statement or comment that might be made even in the most … shrouded or vague terms will be leapt on by the public, the media commentators…. It will be devoured,” he said. “So … in this situation it is better for everyone involved to just keep the family relations private.”

King Charles and Commonwealth Matters

King Charles has continued to engage with international leaders, recently meeting with Treaty 6 chiefs from Alberta and Saskatchewan, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. The meeting with Carney, according to Kaul, signaled Britain’s continued support for Canada. Charles also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, indicating a potential strengthening of ties with the European Union and Canada amid shifting global dynamics.

Royal Quotable

“Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.”— Queen Camilla, in a speech marking International Women’s Day.