'Decision' Prince William could face over Beatrice and Eugenie's royal futures amid Andrew scrutiny
The Prince of Wales grew up close to his cousinsPrince William could face a major decision over his cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their future within the monarchy when he’s king.
Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, are currently making headlines amid the scandal surrounding their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson.
Andrew, 65, and Sarah, 66, are under intense scrutiny over their links to late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
The US Department of Justice’s recent release of millions of files relating to Epstein and his crimes has cast a shadow over the royal family, especially Andrew, Sarah, and their daughters.
Beatrice and Eugenie ‘mentioned in Epstein files’
Both Beatrice and Eugenie have seemingly been mentioned within the batch of Epstein files, released on January 30.
Emails allegedly between Sarah Ferguson and Jeffrey Epstein emerged appearing to show her referring to the disgraced financier as a “legend” and like a “brother” to her.
Meanwhile, following Epstein’s prison release in 2009 following his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor, Ferguson allegedly visited him in Miami, according to emails within the files believed to have been from her.
It may fall to William to make a decision on the future of Beatrice and Eugenie.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were allegedly also in attendance. The sisters were 20 and 19 at the time.
Ferguson has not yet addressed the files publicly. It has not been confirmed whether the emails pertained to or were from Ferguson and the true context has not been revealed.
Being named or pictured among the Epstein files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
‘Decision’ Prince William could face over Beatrice and Eugenie
Now, one royal commentator has weighed in on the scandal. Richard Fitzwilliams has suggested that the Prince of Wales may face a “decision” over Beatrice and Eugenie when he becomes king.
Beatrice and Eugenie are not working royals. However, they remain in the royal fold and support King Charles, and other senior royals, in their work.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Fitzwilliams said: “It may fall to William to make a decision on the future of Beatrice and Eugenie. Neither are reportedly particularly close to him or to Catherine.
“The fact that Beatrice, when 20 and Eugenie, aged 19, visited Epstein in Florida just after his release from prison with their rapacious mother, is alarming. They must have known who they were visiting and how inappropriate this was. He was under house arrest.”
Read more: How King Charles ‘put William in his place’ over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
He added: “William, it is reported, may well take a hard line when he becomes king. It depends on how affected the royal family is by what happens subsequently. William and Catherine do not appear to have close ties with the sisters and would probably not miss them.”
Royal Insider has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
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