Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Skip Royal Christmas Amid Prince Andrew Controversy

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will not join the Royal Family at Sandringham Estate for Christmas this year, according to reports. Instead, the sisters will spend the holiday with their husbands’ families, breaking from their usual festive tradition.

Their decision comes at a time when their father, Prince Andrew, remains embroiled in controversy over allegations of associating with a suspected Chinese spy. While the scandal has cast a shadow over the royal celebrations, sources suggest the sisters’ choice is also driven by a desire to establish new traditions and enjoy Christmas with their in-laws, reported by the Express.

Princess Beatrice, who is married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, shares a three-year-old daughter, Sienna, with her husband. Edoardo also has an eight-year-old son, Christopher Woolf, from a previous relationship. Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are parents to two young sons, August and Ernest.

This year’s absence marks a significant break for the York sisters, who have traditionally spent Christmas with the Royal Family—with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic years in 2020 and 2021. As non-working royals, both Beatrice and Eugenie maintain close ties to their family but have begun to prioritize their growing families and personal traditions.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are also expected to forgo the annual Sandringham festivities, including the much-anticipated Christmas Day walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church. Insiders report that the Duke and Duchess of York will likely remain at their home, Royal Lodge.

While King Charles has not barred Prince Andrew from attending the celebrations, sources suggest he hoped his brother would voluntarily step back to avoid further scrutiny. The allegations linking Andrew to Yang Tengbo—a suspected Chinese spy who reportedly mingled with influential British figures—have only fueled the controversy. Yang has denied any wrongdoing or illegal activity.

This year’s Christmas at Sandringham marks the second holiday season under King Charles’ leadership following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite the ongoing controversies, the royal festivities are expected to focus on family unity and cherished traditions.

For Beatrice and Eugenie, the decision to step away from the royal spotlight this Christmas reflects a growing shift toward blending their royal roots with the realities of their evolving family lives.