Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie appear to be stepping back from public engagements for the time being as their father, Prince Andrew, formally relinquishes his Duke of York title and remaining royal honours.

The sisters were expected to attend a high-profile event at the British Museum over the weekend — one that drew several celebrities and members of the aristocracy — but neither appeared. Their absence came just a day after Andrew’s announcement, which has sent ripples through royal circles.

On Friday, the 64-year-old prince confirmed that he would be giving up his titles following renewed scrutiny over his long-standing association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her three times in 2001 when she was 17 and under Epstein’s control. The prince has repeatedly and vehemently denied the allegations.

However, controversy deepened after a newly unearthed email allegedly showed Andrew corresponding with Epstein in 2011 — months after claiming he had severed contact with the financier. In the message, said to have been sent from Andrew’s official account, he reportedly told Epstein they were “in this together” and suggested they would “play together soon,” urging him to “keep in close touch.”

In his statement on Friday, Andrew said the continuing accusations had made it impossible for him to retain his titles, writing: “The continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

Meanwhile, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson has also faced renewed scrutiny after reports suggested she had accepted money from Epstein over a 15-year period.