Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie may be caught in an uncomfortable position this Christmas if their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are left off the royal family’s guest list.

Royal journalist Phil Dampier told the Daily Mail that the sisters might feel it “unfair” to celebrate with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham if their parents are excluded. Reports suggest both Andrew, 65, and his ex-wife Sarah, 65, could be snubbed from the annual gathering as the fallout from their ties to Jeffrey Epstein continues.

Sarah Ferguson’s email controversy

The fresh scrutiny stems from a 2011 email Sarah allegedly sent Epstein, in which she referred to him as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend.” At the time, she had publicly pledged to cut ties with him, but reportedly wrote to apologise privately.

A spokesperson for the Duchess of York later claimed she had been “taken in by his lies,” adding that Epstein had threatened to sue her for defamation if she distanced herself from him.

Andrew’s association with the disgraced financier has long cast a shadow over the royal family, and insiders suggest both he and Sarah may once again be asked to stay away from Sandringham.

One source told The Sunday Times: “This year, if the duke and duchess were both to be as honourable [as last year], it would be very much for the best and the family would not be disappointed. Not least to avoid the king having to make any more difficult decisions.”

According to the paper, King Charles would prefer the couple to remain “invisible” at family gatherings, arriving and leaving discreetly if they attend at all.

Beatrice and Eugenie caught in the middle

The dilemma puts Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, in a sensitive position. Eugenie spent last Christmas with her husband Jack Brooksbank’s family, while Beatrice attended Sandringham. The only other time either sister missed the tradition was during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dampier said: “If it turns out they are not invited, or decide themselves not to go, then it makes it very difficult for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. They may feel it would be unfair of them to go when their parents aren’t there and it simply rubs salt in their wounds. The king has a soft spot for both Beatrice and Eugenie and feels sorry for the situation they are in. So it’s a real dilemma for him and one he could do without.”

Beatrice ‘loses hope’ of royal role

Meanwhile, friends have claimed Beatrice has “lost all hope” of becoming a working royal, despite her desire to support King Charles and Prince William. A source close to her told the Mail: “Beatrice does want to be a working royal and she wants to do royal events to help her uncle because she’d enjoy them and she would be good at the job.

“Charles apparently appreciates this. There had at one stage been a feeling that Bea could have been lined up one day. She’s never put a foot wrong. And she shouldn’t be punished for the sins of her father. But the king’s courtiers are concerned Andrew could try to ‘get in via the back door’ by exerting influence over her.”

Buckingham Palace and Beatrice’s representatives have been contacted for comment.