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The victims of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein are undeniable and merit the utmost sympathy — the many women and girls he trafficked in order to build a network of influence among the wealthy and powerful.
Recent disclosures from the Epstein files in the United States, which reportedly include millions of emails, photographs and documents, have shed further light on how closely connected that circle was — with references to the former Prince Andrew and his wife, Sarah.
However, some argue there are additional, less visible victims as well. Among them, it is suggested, are the York princesses, Eugenie and Beatrice.
Their parents’ association with Epstein — described not only as a friendship but as a relationship in which he acted as a fixer — has, critics say, cast a long and persistent shadow over the House of York and, by extension, the wider Royal Family.
From personal experience, the two sisters are described as kind, diligent and deeply devoted to their families.
Beatrice is a mother to Sienna, four, and one-year-old Athena, while Eugenie has two young sons — August, four, and Ernest, two.
Sources suggest the princesses have been broken by the ongoing shame and controversy. However, they are reportedly responding in different ways when it comes to their father.
Beatrice was seen horse riding at Windsor alongside her father and her young daughter, in what was viewed as a deliberate public display of support — although this appearance took place before the most recent wave of damaging allegations emerged.
Eugenie, by contrast, is believed to be creating greater distance between herself and her parents, a move made somewhat easier by the fact that she now spends most of the year living in Portugal.
Those close to the situation say the circumstances have been incredibly challenging for both sisters.
READ MORE: Sarah Ferguson Urges Princess Eugenie and Beatrice to Support Her in Emotional Plea
A fine line
Both sisters are said to be navigating a delicate balance — standing by their parents (however painful that may be in light of recent revelations) while also upholding the monarchy, which has formally distanced itself from Andrew by stripping him of his titles and removing him from Royal Lodge.
Behind closed doors, sources say the princesses have been especially appreciative of the Princess of Wales for her compassion and quiet support during this period.
In a recent statement, the Waleses said they were deeply concerned by the Epstein disclosures and were focused on the victims. However, insiders suggest they are also determined to offer personal support to William’s cousins during what has been an extraordinarily difficult time.
Catherine has faced her own significant challenges in recent years and, at times, is said to have been under immense personal strain. The fact that she is offering support suggests she recognises how difficult the situation must be for Beatrice and Eugenie, who have found themselves caught up in circumstances beyond their control.
A source explained: Publicly, of course the senior royals have to maintain distance, adding that Andrew’s siblings — particularly Edward and Anne — have privately expressed concern.
“William and Catherine have been very supportivе – the princess has been in regular contact with Beatrice and Eugenie just to check in and make sure they’re OK. The princе and princess have supported the King in stripping Andrew of his titles, and they are very cоncerned about everyone who has been affected by his behaviour.”
My source further shared that Catherine has a genuine affection for Beatrice and Eugenie and empathises with the pressure they are under, particularly as mothers of young children navigating such public scrutiny.
As the source said: Kate is fond of Beatrice and Eugenie – she’s a fellow mother and can appreciate how difficult this is for them at a time when they are caring for their young children also.
Appalled and embarrassed
Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, are reportedly said to be deeply unsettled by the latest disclosures from the Epstein files. According to sources, they were left shocked and even aghast by the publication of their mother’s reportedly embarrassing emails to Jeffrey Epstein.
Those close to the sisters also claim they feel appalled and embarrassed by newly surfaced images of their father, Andrew, as well as emails in which he allegedly sought Epstein’s advice and financial assistance.
The messages are said to have included requests relating to hosting a screening for Sarah’s film about Queen Victoria, securing holiday accommodation, assistance with debts, and inviting acquaintances for some fun.
It has been alleged that, in exchange, Epstein was offered invitations to private dinners, exclusive tours for associates at Buckingham Palace, and introductions that could provide access to influential figures.
Sources claim the sisters have felt deep embarrassment over their mother’s reportedly deferential emails to the financier following his conviction for child sex offences.
According to the documents, Sarah Ferguson expressed admiration for Epstein — who had previously assisted with some of her debts — describing him as a legend and even joking about the idea of marriage.
Other correspondence reportedly referenced personal matters, including comments about her daughter Eugenie’s private life, and indicated that she had taken her daughters to meet Epstein for lunch when they were 19 and 20 years old.
Importantly, the most recent release of documents suggests that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s account during his November 2019 Newsnight interview may not align with newly surfaced evidence.
At the time, he told Emily Maitlis that he had ended all contact with Epstein following the photograph taken of them together in New York in December 2010.
However, the latest tranche — reportedly comprising around three million documents — is said to indicate that the billionaire and the then prince remained in ongoing and cordial communication after that date.
Time to rebuild
The reputational damage surrounding the York family name is widely acknowledged. Andrew has effectively been pushed into internal exile and is currently residing at Wood Farm on the King’s Sandringham Estate, while his main residence, Marsh Farm, is undergoing refurbishment.
Beatrice and Eugenie are now faced with the task of establishing identities separate from their parents’ controversies. Support from the Prince and Princess of Wales — as well as from the King — is expected to play a crucial role. Invitations to Sandringham at Christmas and attendance at a Buckingham Palace lunch have reportedly been particularly significant gestures of backing.
Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, believes the sisters are in a complicated position, bound by loyalty to their parents despite the mounting controversy.
He said: I think they’re caught. There’s a very tight bond [and] I’m sure [the princesses] are being supportive of the parents.
However, he suggested they are likely to take a more low-profile approach to their professional lives for now. Beatrice runs her own technology advisory business, while Eugenie works with the art gallery Hauser & Wirth, but both may choose to step back from the spotlight temporarily.
As he explained: They’ve both been doing a lot in the Middle East. I think that will go on hold.
Lownie added that distancing themselves publicly may be their only viable course of action at present.
In his words: The only way they can act now is never be photographed with their parents, and try to distance themselves as much as possible. It’s a difficult time for them. It’s deeply distressing and they must feel it desperately.
