An existing royal discord may further intensify due to the recent disclosure of the Epstein files.
Reportedly, there were preexisting tensions between the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the daughters of the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The Epstein scandal entangled Andrew’s daughters following an email from Epstein in 2015, where he claimed that Beatrice had a favorable opinion of him. This communication occurred after Epstein had been convicted of soliciting sex from minors.
Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife and the princesses’ mother, was also involved in email exchanges with Epstein. Andrew seemed to invite Epstein to Buckingham Palace, with Sarah expressing willingness by saying, “I am at your service. Just marry me.”
The former Duke of York was once again featured in the recent document release by the US Department of Justice. In one photograph, Andrew is depicted kneeling beside a redacted woman. Despite denying any misconduct related to his association with Epstein, the spotlight on Andrew in these documents has brought unwanted attention to the royal family.
Allegations have surfaced from the US authorities’ published documents, accusing Andrew of sharing confidential reports with Epstein during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy.
Last year, the King stripped Andrew of his titles following the posthumous revelations from Virginia Giuffre, who alleged being trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell when she was 17. Giuffre, who passed away last year, accused Andrew of sexual abuse, a claim vehemently denied by the royal.
Experts now speculate that William and Kate may adopt a similar stance in their interactions with Beatrice and Eugenie.
A source revealed that William and Kate do not seem close to the sisters and do not share many common interests. Kate is reportedly rarely seen with the siblings. Furthermore, Eugenie appears to have a closer relationship with Prince Harry than with William, and reports suggest some strain in the relationship between Kate and her husband’s cousins.
The source mentioned that William occasionally invites Beatrice, Eugenie, and other cousins to assist with hosting an annual Buckingham Palace garden party. However, there is no indication that he intends for his cousins to become taxpayer-funded working royals, as clarified by the source.
The Mirror has sought comments from Kensington Palace, Andrew, and the royal household regarding these matters.
