As of March 2026, Buckingham Palace has reportedly taken steps to further distance the monarchy from Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie following renewed scrutiny surrounding their parents' ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the recent arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (the former Prince Andrew).

 

Palace ‘turns back’ on Princesses Eugenie and sister after Epstein scandal

As of March 2026, Buckingham Palace has reportedly taken steps to further distance the monarchy from Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie following renewed scrutiny surrounding their parents' ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the recent arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (the former Prince Andrew).

 

Recent Reported "Snubs" and Restrictions

Banned from Royal Ascot 2026: Reports indicate the sisters have been asked not to attend this year's Royal Ascot in June. They are reportedly excluded from both the event and the prestigious royal procession to avoid negative public associations.

Excluded from Major Events: The princesses were notably absent from the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March 2026, which was attended by other senior members of the royal family.

Easter Gathering Withdrawal: Experts suggest the sisters may also skip the traditional royal Easter gathering at Windsor Castle as the scandal continues to dominate headlines.

Charity Resignation: Princess Eugenie recently stepped down as patron of Anti-Slavery International, a role she held for seven years, amid the fallout from the latest "Epstein files" and her father's arrest.

 

Status of Royal Titles and Homes

While they are not working royals, their status is currently under significant internal review:

Titles Under Review: Buckingham Palace is reportedly assessing their future use of royal titles and "Her Royal Highness" (HRH) styling to preserve the monarchy's reputation.

Housing Scrutiny: There is growing public and internal pressure regarding their royal residences—Beatrice at St. James’s Palace and Eugenie at Ivy Cottage—with suggestions they may eventually be asked to pay full market rent or vacate.

Financial Audits: Some reports claim Prince William requested financial and ethical audits of the sisters to ensure no further hidden links to the Epstein scandal, an offer they reportedly declined.

 

Relationship with Their Father

The sisters are reportedly "utterly devastated" by their father's February 2024 arrest. Reports suggest Princess Eugenie has specifically severed all contact with her father due to his refusal to apologize to Epstein's victims, an act seen as an effort to protect her own family and charities from "guilt by association"