Princess Eugenie leaves UK for Qatar amid Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein scandal
It's been a dramatic few weeks for the princessPrincess Eugenie has been seen in public for the first time amid the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein scandal.
In recent weeks, Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, have faced intense scrutiny over their links to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
On January 30, the US Department of Justice released more than three million files relating to Epstein and his crimes. Within these files, images appeared to show Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified female. No context has been supplied for the images. It’s also unclear when and where they were taken.
Andrew and Sarah’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, have remained quiet amid the scandal. However, in recent days, Eugenie broke cover hundreds of miles away from England.
Princess Eugenie seen for first time since Andrew scandal
The bombshell Epstein files were released last month, in which Andrew and Ferguson were seemingly mentioned.
As well as emails allegedly between Ferguson and Epstein, the files also contained images of Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified female lying on the ground.
In two of the images, he is seen touching the person, who is fully clothed, on her stomach. Another image shows him staring at the camera.
Confirmation that the images are of Andrew and the emails are from Sarah is yet to be shared.
Andrew and Sarah’s two daughters Beatrice and Eugenie were also seemingly mentioned in the files.
Allegedly, just days after Epstein’s prison release following his conviction for soliciting sex from a minor in 2009, Ferguson allegedly visited him in Miami. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were reportedly also in attendance.
The sisters were 19 and 20 at the time.
Andrew’s links to Epstein have sparked scrutiny for years. He was accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre alleged she was made to sleep with Andrew when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations.
Princess Eugenie poses next to friend
It’s unclear how Beatrice and Eugenie are dealing with the scandal behind closed doors.
However, this week, Eugenie made her first public appearance since the ongoing Epstein files saga.
Eugenie, who works as a director for art dealer Hauser & Wirth, was recently snapped in Qatar at a high-end contemporary art fair.
The princess posed alongside her German influencer friend Caroline Daur who shared the photo to her Instagram Story on Monday.
In the snap, the pair stood in front of a piece of artwork. Caroline had her arm around her pal Eugenie and penned in the caption: “REUNION! It’s been too long.”
How Beatrice and Eugenie may choose to move forward
Meanwhile psychologist, author and broadcaster Professor Linda Papadopoulos recently chimed in on the various emotions the sisters are likely enduring amid the Andrew and Epstein scandal.
In a conversation with Woman&Home, Professor Linda Papadopoulos gave insight into what the sisters could be going through if they are indeed taking a step away from their parents.
The professor explained: “Stepping away from family, even when behaviour is harmful, can trigger deep guilt because it feels like a threat to our roots.
“There is also the cultural script that family is unconditional and permanent. For many people, distancing themselves feels like betraying not just a person, but their own history. That’s why estrangement is rarely clean or simple; it involves grief, identity loss and social consequences.”
Andrew and Epstein scandal
It comes after King Charles spoke out via Buckingham Palace amid the ongoing Epstein and Andrew scrutiny.
The statement on Monday read: “The king has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.
“While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.
“As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”
Meanwhile Andrew’s youngest brother, Prince Edward, spoke out last week amid the scrutiny. He said: “I think it’s all really important always to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this.”
Andrew has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Read more: ‘Update’ on Queen Elizabeth II’s dogs following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Royal Lodge exit
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