Princesses in the Epstein Files: How Beatrice and Eugenie Are Caught in the Scandal

London — Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are facing renewed scrutiny as details from recently released documents related to their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, continue to surface. The sisters, while not working members of the British monarchy, are finding themselves swept into the fallout from the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s association with the late Jeffrey Epstein.

The latest tranche of so-called “Epstein files,” published by the US Department of Justice, names Beatrice, 37 and Eugenie, 35, hundreds of times. At least one reference is particularly sensitive, concerning a private matter in Eugenie’s past. The disclosures are prompting questions about the extent of the princesses’ knowledge of their parents’ relationship with Epstein, and their own interactions with him.

While Beatrice and Eugenie hold “HRH” titles, they do not undertake official duties on behalf of the monarch. However, the revelations are raising concerns about the reputation of the entire York family, as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were known in Britain.

Much of the initial criticism centered on Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein. However, the newly released documents reveal the depth of Epstein’s friendship with Sarah Ferguson, and suggest she introduced her daughters to him. Russell Myers, royal editor of Britain’s The Mirror, described the situation as “incredibly distressing for both young women to see themselves mentioned so freely by their parents to a convicted sex offender.” He noted there is “a great deal of sympathy for them,” but the emails are sparking questions about what, if anything, the princesses knew.

The documents detail a lunch in Miami in July 2009, just days after Epstein’s release from prison following a conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice, and Eugenie were all present. An email exchange shows Epstein offering a car for the trip, which Ferguson declined, but requested the address and confirmed that Beatrice and Eugenie would be joining her. Another email thread indicates Epstein paid for the trio’s flights to the US, totaling $14,080.10.

Further emails reveal a warm correspondence between Ferguson and Epstein. In one instance, Ferguson wrote, “You are a legend. I really don’t have the words to describe…Thank you Jeffrey for being the brother I have always wished for.” A particularly jarring email from December 2009 includes Ferguson’s comment about Eugenie, stating she was “just waiting for Eugenie to come back from a shagging weekend!!”

The files also show Ferguson seeking Epstein’s advice on handling media inquiries, and Prince Andrew forwarding the family’s Christmas cards, including photos of his daughters, to Epstein. This contradicts Prince Andrew’s previous statement to the BBC in 2019 that he had not been in contact with Epstein after 2010.

Buckingham Palace has responded to the ongoing situation, with King Charles reportedly “ready to support” British police in their investigations into Prince Andrew’s alleged sharing of confidential material with Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy. This move, described by Myers as a “seminal moment,” signals that Prince Andrew will no longer be protected by the institution and should cooperate with investigators.

Beatrice and Eugenie have maintained a low profile since the latest disclosures. Eugenie was recently photographed at a contemporary art fair in Doha, but neither princess has issued a public statement. They reportedly spent Christmas with King Charles and the rest of the royal family at Sandringham, seemingly distancing themselves from their parents.

Despite the controversy, there is a sense of sympathy for the princesses. Prince William is said to be “deeply sympathetic” to their situation and believes their reputations shouldn’t be tarnished by their parents’ actions. Both Beatrice and Eugenie have established their own careers – Beatrice founded BY-EQ, a strategic consultancy, and Eugenie is a director at art dealer Hauser & Wirth – and are patrons of various charities.

The impact of the Epstein files on the princesses’ public roles remains to be seen. Several organizations with which they are associated have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation. The Salvation Army emphasized that it puts “victims and survivors at the heart of all our decision making” and is “closely monitoring this story.” Borne, a medical research charity, highlighted Beatrice’s work raising awareness for premature birth, emphasizing that her role is focused on that specific cause.

As the fallout continues, Beatrice and Eugenie are navigating a difficult situation, attempting to balance their loyalty to their family with the need to protect their own reputations and continue their philanthropic work. The latest revelations have undoubtedly strained their relationships with their parents and raised serious questions about the extent of their involvement in Epstein’s world.