Beatrice and Eugenie Refuse to 'Slope Away Like Criminals When They've Done Nothing Wrong'
Despite their parents, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, being named in the Epstein files, friends say the sisters have 'done nothing wrong' and refuse to disappear.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are standing their ground. Despite the release of the Epstein files, which name and include pictures of their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Fergusson, on multiple occasions, the sisters have continued to appear publicly, unaffected and unapologetic. And according to those close to them, that is entirely deliberate.
"They were always happy to carry out engagements when asked by their grandmother or by other members of the family. They don't see why they should slope away like criminals when they've done nothing wrong," a friend of the princesses told the Mail. And for the unversed, their presence in the files carries no implication of wrongdoing whatsoever. The same friend pointed out that both women retain a deep sense of responsibility to the public, one that predates the current controversy and shows no sign of wavering because of it. They have, in the words of those who know them best, "a great sense of public "duty"—and they intend to honor it.
Yet the world around them has continued to shift in uncomfortable ways. Eugenie, the younger of the two sisters, recently parted ways with Anti-Slavery International, the British charity she had championed for the past seven years. Her profile has been removed from the organization's website, and her patronage has formally concluded.
The charity, for its part, was gracious in marking the end of the relationship. In a statement, Anti-Slavery International wrote, "After seven years, our patronage from HRH Princess Eugenie of York has come to an end. We thank the princess very much for her support for Anti-Slavery International. We hope that she continues to work to end slavery for good and deliver freedom for everyone."
Meanwhile, a separate incident has drawn Beatrice into an uncomfortable territory. A photograph has emerged showing her alongside David Taylor—the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid—during a 2016 charitable expedition through Asia. The nine-day journey, organized by the Franks Family Foundation, of which Beatrice serves as patron, saw a group of seven travel through the region by car. Taylor was arrested on March 4 on suspicion of spying for China.
However, reports also said that the daughters helped their parents cover up their controversial actions. Following this, their names were struck off the list of attendees at Royal Ascot. But they reportedly are trying to convince Kate Middleton to take them back, but she has drawn a line. According to an insider speaking to Closer magazine, the Princess of Wales has emerged as one of the most resolute voices in protecting the monarchy's reputation in the wake of the Epstein fallout. Kate, the source says, has drawn a firm line—and she is not moving it. "Kate was the one who said enough is enough… But she's also unyielding when she feels the Crown is at risk. She believes long-term damage to the monarchy is a real risk," the insider revealed.
