Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have opted for a quieter holiday this year, as they did not attend the royal family’s traditional Easter church service. This decision comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding their parents, the Duke and Duchess of York. The sisters, however, are expected to participate in future family gatherings with the rest of the royal family, following discussions with their uncle, King Charles III.
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The two princesses, aged 37 and 36 respectively, celebrated Easter in private rather than joining the monarch and other royals at the annual event. This marks a departure from their attendance in the previous year, when they were present at the Easter outing alongside their parents. Both Beatrice and Eugenie are understood to be keen to maintain a low profile while navigating the complexities associated with their family’s recent scandals.
Previously, Beatrice and Eugenie had joined King Charles for the family’s Christmas celebrations, reflecting a willingness to remain connected to royal traditions despite the turmoil surrounding their parents. The sisters’ decision to spend this Easter away from public scrutiny aligns with a deliberate effort to focus on their own families, particularly their children.
The Duke and Duchess of York, both aged 66, were present at the Easter service last year, but have since limited their public appearances amid mounting criticism and scrutiny over their associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The fallout from this scandal has led to significant repercussions for their family. Prince Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following a controversial interview about his relationship with Epstein, and the allegations against him have only continued to grow in gravity.
In October 2025, King Charles took decisive action to strip his brother of his royal titles and honours, a move reflecting the seriousness of the public’s reaction as new evidence and allegations surfaced. Among these was the testimony of Virginia Giuffre, who claimed that Andrew had sexual encounters with her when she was a minor—an allegation that Andrew has consistently denied. Giuffre’s tragic passing in April 2025 brought added attention to this ongoing controversy.
Adding to the family’s challenges, Andrew has faced recent legal troubles, with an arrest earlier this year linked to allegations of improper conduct during his time as a trade envoy for the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the presence of Sarah Ferguson in Epstein’s documentation suggests further entanglements with the disgraced financier, with reports indicating she brought her daughters to meet him shortly after his release from jail in 2009.
In light of these developments, sources close to the sisters have indicated that Beatrice and Eugenie are making a conscious effort to distance themselves from their parents’ scandals. They are focused on protecting their children from the impact of the ongoing controversies, with both sisters embracing their roles as mothers. Eugenie shares two sons, while Beatrice is a mother of two daughters and a stepmother to an additional child.
Despite the backdrop of controversy, King Charles remains fond of his nieces. However, royal observers note a potential shift in how the monarchy may deal with the York family, as a future heir to the throne, Prince William, supports a firmer stance on maintaining the royal image. Biographer Andrew Lownie highlighted William’s desire for clarity and resolution before he fully assumes royal responsibilities.
With time, it appears that Beatrice and Eugenie aim to carve out their own identities, distinct from the scandals that have shaped their family’s narrative. The sisters’ focus on their children and commitment to family traditions may help them navigate these challenging times while remaining dedicated to their royal heritage, albeit on their own terms. As they move forward, the balance between their royal duties and personal lives will undoubtedly continue to evolve.