Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, faces another setback as his daughter, Princess Beatrice, opts to spend Christmas abroad rather than with him. This decision follows recent disclosures related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which have intensified scrutiny on Andrew and his family.
Princess Beatrice, ninth in line to the British throne, reportedly declined an invitation to join Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, at the Royal Lodge for what will be their final Christmas there before they are evicted. Instead, she has chosen to go skiing with her husband, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, and friends. This festive season marks a significant shift in family dynamics, with Beatrice’s younger sister, Princess Eugenie, also expected to celebrate away from their father, likely with her spouse, Jack Brooksbank.
The implications of Beatrice’s choice are profound for Andrew, who is now 65 years old and has been stripped of his royal titles due to the Epstein controversy. An insider remarked to The Sun that Andrew’s situation has left him feeling isolated, stating, “With everything that’s gone on, he’s very much like the Grinch. It’s clear this year that festive cheer is in short supply.”
Beatrice’s decision comes on the heels of new documents released by U.S. authorities concerning Jeffrey Epstein, further complicating her relationship with her father. Friends of Beatrice have indicated that she is conscious of the potential embarrassment her presence could cause, particularly as she navigates her loyalties to both King Charles and her parents. A close friend shared, “She appreciates the way that the King and William have looked after her during everything that has been happening with Andy and Sarah.”
This Christmas will be the last for Andrew and Ferguson at Royal Lodge, following their agreement in October to vacate the property. King Charles decided to strip Andrew of his titles as part of the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, granting the former royal a year to relocate. However, logistical challenges may extend their stay at the Royal Lodge for several additional months.
As the holiday season approaches, notable changes are evident around Royal Lodge. For the first time in two decades, Andrew has not decorated the property, with the customary wreaths and Christmas tree conspicuously absent. Sources close to the family have noted that this shift signifies the weight of recent events on their holiday traditions.
Moving forward, King Charles is expected to assist Andrew in transitioning to a new residence on the Sandringham estate, marking a new chapter for the former royal. As the festive period unfolds, the royal family continues to adapt to the evolving circumstances surrounding them.
