UPDATE: The absence of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor overshadowed the royal family’s traditional Christmas Day celebrations on December 25, 2023. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie joined other royals at the church service in Sandringham, eastern England, while their father continued to face scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the senior royals to the church, greeting well-wishers in crisp winter weather. They were followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, along with their three children. Other family attendees included Princess Anne and her husband Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the king’s niece Zara Tindall with her husband Mike Tindall.
Andrew, stripped of his royal titles in October 2022 due to the ongoing fallout from his Epstein connections, has maintained his innocence against allegations of sexual abuse from Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew as a minor. Although he settled a US civil lawsuit with Giuffre without admitting liability, the King deemed it necessary to remove all titles from Andrew to protect the monarchy’s reputation.
The royal family’s decision to continue with their Christmas traditions highlights an effort to maintain unity despite the surrounding controversy. Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, have remained prominent at royal events, demonstrating their commitment to family amid their father’s challenges.
The family is expected to return to Sandringham House for lunch before King Charles delivers his televised Christmas message later today. This year’s festivities are particularly poignant, as the royal family navigates the complexities of past controversies while seeking to strengthen their public image.
As the monarchy faces these pressing issues, the attendance of Beatrice and Eugenie signals a united front. The public will be watching closely for further developments, especially regarding Andrew’s future and the ongoing impact of his past associations.
