Princess Beatrice's Christmas plans 'revealed' amid Andrew scandal
Princess Beatrice has reportedly opted to spend Christmas abroad
Princess Beatrice will reportedly spend this Christmas far away from her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, choosing instead to jet off on a skiing holiday with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and friends.
The 37-year-old royal is said to have faced a “dilemma” over how to handle the holiday season.
She has reportedly been invited both to Sandringham with the king and other senior royals, and to Royal Lodge, where her parents, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are marking their final Christmas before being forced to vacate the Windsor estate.
Instead, reports claim that Beatrice has quietly opted to escape the country to avoid further controversy. A former royal staffer has since said he believes the king will be sad over Beatrice missing royal festivities at Sandringham.
Princess Beatrice’s Christmas plans
“Beatrice doesn’t want to cause any embarrassment and was torn between loyalty to the king and her parents,” a friend told The Sun.
“She appreciates the way that the king and William have looked after her during everything that has been happening with Andy and Sarah.”
This year will mark the final Christmas that Andrew and Sarah spend at Royal Lodge. In October, Andrew agreed to hand back his lease on the property in the wake of scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein. This means Sarah will also have to leave the Windsor property, which she has lived at with her ex-husband since 2008.
Beatrice doesn’t want to cause any embarrassment and was torn between loyalty to the king and her parents.
While Beatrice is apparently retreating to the slopes, her younger sister, Princess Eugenie, 35, is also reportedly facing the same dilemma. She is expected to spend Christmas with husband Jack Brooksbank, away from both Sandringham and Royal Lodge.
“[Beatrice] didn’t want it to look like they were snubbing anyone,” the friend added. “So it was easier to go off with friends.”
King Charles’ ‘sadness’
Speaking to Reach PLC, as reported by the Mirror, former royal butler Grant Harrold said: “King Charles will definitely be sad that Beatrice will miss the celebrations. He’s extremely fond of his niece and I’m sure he would have wanted to spend time with her over the holidays after such a difficult time.
“He’s well aware that she’s been caught up in the upset of everything that’s happened with her father – despite it having nothing to do with her. However he will support her decision, and will just want her to do what’s best for her.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
Andrew has faced scrutiny over his association with Epstein for many years. He was also accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre. Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
In October, his brother King Charles initiated the process to strip Andrew of all remaining royal titles and honours amid the controversy.
The move came after a leaked email contradicted his infamous 2019 Newsnight interview. In the interview, Andrew claimed he had no further contact with Epstein after December 2010.
However, an email allegedly between Andrew and Epstein was dated February 28, 2011. In the shocking message, Andrew reportedly told the disgraced financier: “We’ll play some more soon.”
Andrew also settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit with Ms Giuffre in early 2022. Ms Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025.
Despite the scandal, King Charles is said to remain fond of his nieces Beatrice and Eugenie, who retain their HRH styles and princess titles.
The king is reportedly arranging for Prince Andrew to move into a residence on the Sandringham estate in the new year.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Princess Beatrice for comment.
Read more: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie’s ‘true feelings’ during royals’ pre-Christmas lunch
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