Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie going through 'personal crisis' following Andrew's unprecedented arrest
The sisters have kept a low profile recentlyPrincess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have faced a difficult time following their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest.
For years, Andrew has faced scrutiny over his past association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That scrutiny intensified in January following the release of millions of files relating to Epstein and his crimes.
Within these files, images appeared to show Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the ground. This month, another image emerged appearing to show Andrew with Peter Mandelson, both wearing bathrobes, and Epstein. No time or location was given for the photograph.
Andrew and Mandelson have separately been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid the scrutiny over their past connections to Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal
Police arrested Andrew on his 66th birthday on February 19. Hours after his arrest, police released him under investigation. The specific details of the allegations of misconduct being investigated are unknown.
Following the release of the Epstein files in January, Andrew faced allegations that he shared confidential and sensitive information with Epstein in 2010 during his role as UK’s trade envoy.
The files reportedly included emails suggesting Andrew forwarded official trade reports and investment information to Epstein in 2010.
At the time, Andrew as Britain’s trade envoy, a role he held from 2001 to 2011.
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Trade envoys are bound by duties of confidentiality over sensitive commercial and political information.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Being named or pictured in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing.
Allegations against Andrew
This isn’t the only controversy Andrew has faced over the years. He also faced allegations of sexual assault.
The late Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to sleep with Andrew on three separate occasions when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein.
They’re probably going through a complete and utter personal crisis.
Andrew has always vehemently denied the allegations. Ms Giuffre sued Andrew in 2021, accusing him of sexual assault. He and Ms Giuffre settled the US civil lawsuit out of court in 2022 for an undisclosed sum.
The royal repeated that the settlement did not mean any liability or admission of guilt.
Amid all the scrutiny surrounding him, Andrew lost his royal titles and honours. He also moved out of his Royal Lodge home in Windsor. He now lives on the Sandringham Estate.
Princess Beatrice and Eugenie going through ‘personal crisis’
Amid all the scandal, Andrew’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, have kept quiet.
According to a royal commentator, the sisters may be going through a “personal crisis”.
Speaking on HELLO!‘s A Right Royal podcast, Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor for The Sun, said: “I’ve got sympathy for both Beatrice and Eugenie. I’d like to see them somehow rehabilitated and used properly in the royal family.
Should Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie lose their royal titles?
Their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has faced intense scrutiny over his past association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years. He has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to the disgraced financier.
Late last year, that scrutiny intensified and Andrew was stripped of his royal titles, including his prince title.
Following the decision, some royal commentators questioned whether Beatrice and Eugenie should also drop their princess titles.
Calls for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to lose royal titles
A source told the Mirror: "The sisters are extremely unhappy. They feel they have been left out in the cold.
"They aren't being supported by Buckingham Palace and are certainly concerned they will lose their titles and privileges as a result of their parents’ conduct."
Former BBC royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, added: "I’m sure the sisters are a great support to one another. Personally, I think they would be wise to discuss whether they should give up their titles, step down from their charities and any public work and just get on with their lives as happily married women with children to look after and careers to pursue.
"That might just be easier all round."
King Charles' 'stance' on his nieces
However, according to reports, Andrew's brother King Charles remains supportive of his nieces and may not strip their princess titles.
Speaking to the Express, royal author Robert Jobson said: "Charles loves those girls. Always has. But he won’t go to war for Andrew – and they know it.
"William is cold-eyed about the institution. Unsentimental. Catherine backs people who stay quiet and get on with things. Of the three, Charles is the only one who actually cares."
“I think the king wants them both to not pay for the sins of their parents. But I’m not sure there is mass public sympathy for them at the moment. They’re probably going through a complete and utter personal crisis.”
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