Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie face renewed scrutiny after newly released emails linked to Jeffrey Epstein reveal their past associations with the disgraced financier, casting a long shadow over their roles within the British royal family. The documents, which emerged within the last 24 hours, show that the sisters, along with their mother Sarah Ferguson, had lunch with Epstein in Miami shortly after his prison release, raising ethical questions and public debate about their involvement.
The email trove includes multiple references to Beatrice and Eugenie, such as Ferguson apologizing to Epstein for their unavailability and detailing their whereabouts. In one particularly embarrassing exchange, Ferguson refers to Eugenie returning from a “shagging weekend,” highlighting the personal nature of the correspondence. While no wrongdoing is alleged against the princesses, royal experts like Richard Palmer note that these connections make it difficult for them to distance themselves from the scandal, as reported by both BBC and The Week, with some commentators arguing they were “deeply involved” despite their youth at the time.
Eugenie’s charity work has been significantly impacted; her Anti-Slavery Collective, which focuses on sex trafficking victims, saw donations plummet from £1.5 million in 2024 to £48,000 in 2025, according to BBC accounts, due to the “optical difficulty” of high-profile fundraising amid the Epstein links. Similarly, Beatrice’s business engagements, including her role in advisory firm BY-EQ and appearances at Middle East investment summits, have faced scrutiny for potentially blurring royal and personal interests, with critics suggesting she built her career on parental introductions.
In their personal lives, the sisters have adopted differing strategies: Beatrice has maintained some contact with Prince Andrew, while Eugenie has reportedly cut ties entirely, as sources told The Week. Both are married—Beatrice to property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Eugenie to Jack Brooksbank—and have two children each, balancing family commitments with their public roles. They reside in royal properties, paying rent, though the rates are undisclosed, adding to calls for transparency in royal finances following the outcry over Andrew’s lease agreements.
Despite the controversy, Beatrice and Eugenie remain integrated into the royal family, as demonstrated by their presence at King Charles’s Christmas Day service at Sandringham, where they walked prominently behind the monarch. This appearance, noted by commentators from both outlets, indicates Palace support and a possible agreement to protect the princesses in exchange for their parents’ discretion, suggesting they are still considered active members of the firm despite the ongoing fallout.
Public sentiment is divided; some express sympathy for the princesses as unwilling participants in their parents’ missteps, while others question their judgment. The Week highlights that a “pile-on” towards them is inevitable, but both BBC and The Week note that they may retain dignity by focusing on their charities and families, with suggestions that renouncing titles could reduce scrutiny. Experts like Andrew Lownie advocate for them to retire from public life to safeguard their reputations.
Looking ahead, Beatrice and Eugenie must navigate the delicate balance of loyalty to their parents and their own reputations. With the Epstein files continuing to generate headlines, their ability to redefine themselves independently of the York brand will be crucial for their future in the monarchy, as they seek to avoid the toxicity that has engulfed their disgraced parents and carve out sustainable roles within the royal framework.
