As scrutiny continues to surround their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, the York sisters are now also facing renewed public attention.
The princesses have struggled to distance themselves from the controversy, especially as both of their names appear multiple times in the latest batch of Epstein-related documents.
Emails Raise Questions About Their Past Interactions
Recent correspondence indicates that Beatrice and Eugenie once had lunch with Jeffrey in Miami shortly after he was released from prison following his conviction for procuring minors for prostitution.
Some of the reports describing the meeting have referred to the princesses as “girls,” implying they were very young at the time. In reality, Eugenie was 19 and Beatrice was 21 during the visit.
In other emails, Jeffrey reportedly asked whether the sisters could entertain some of his acquaintances or give them tours of Buckingham Palace.
Andrew Lownie, author of the book “Entitled” about former Prince Andrew, believes the sisters were old enough to understand the situation.
He said, “They weren’t five-year-old girls when they were taken to see Epstein. They were grown-ups. There’s a big campaign to say they are innocents caught up in the shellfire, but they’re not, they’re deeply involved.”
However, royal journalist Victoria Murphy offered a more sympathetic interpretation. She argued that it is easier to criticize those decisions today, now that Epstein’s crimes are widely known. At the time, she noted, there were far fewer public warnings, suggesting the sisters may simply have gone along with trips arranged by their mother.
Travel Arrangements and Awkward Exchanges
Other messages show Sarah Ferguson planning visits to Epstein, with help from her assistant Amanda. In one email, it is mentioned that one of her daughters would accompany her.
A follow-up message asks whether Epstein would be willing to cover the cost of one princess’s economy flight. Further correspondence discusses ticket prices, schedules, and seat arrangements.
One exchange between Epstein and his assistant appears to list the total cost of travel as “for all tickets: $14,080.10,” suggesting he may have paid for several flights.
The emails also hint at a relationship that extended beyond travel. Epstein occasionally asked Sarah whether her daughters could meet particular people.
In one instance, he seemed to request that they show a visitor around Buckingham Palace. Sarah later replied with an apology, explaining that they were unavailable and noting where they were at the time.
Another message includes a personal remark in which a “Sarah” refers to Eugenie’s love life, mentioning she had returned from a “shagging weekend.” Some of Epstein’s associates also casually referenced the princesses in their own emails.
One message sent to Epstein from a friend reads, “Just spoke to Duchess of Pork. She is at this wild lunch with Beatrice. I just introduced myself to her. Told her I know (barely) her father and how terrific he is…more later.”
Royal commentator Richard Palmer noted that these repeated references make it difficult for the sisters to distance themselves from the broader controversy. “There’s no avoiding the links between the Yorks and Epstein,” he said.
Even so, Victoria Murphy acknowledged that the emails are uncomfortable to read but suggested there is still some sympathy toward the princesses.
Royal Snubs and Public Scrutiny
The impact of the controversy is already being felt. Reports suggest the sisters may not be invited to attend the upcoming Royal Ascot.
According to one royal expert, the exclusion could be the first of several social snubs connected to their parents’ relationship with Epstein.
Richard Palmer believes the long-term consequences could be significant, predicting that the sisters may appear less frequently in royal circles in the future. For now, he said, they are likely keeping a low profile while the story continues to attract public attention.
Their last public appearance with the royal family was during Christmas 2025 at Sandringham, when they attended church and took part in the traditional walk with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine Middleton, and other family members.
However, reports suggest Beatrice and Eugenie were surprised by the possibility that they might not be included in the Royal Box at Ascot this June. Some sources also claim members of the royal family have been advised to avoid being photographed with them for the rest of the year.
Charity Roles and Public Reaction
The fallout has also affected the sisters’ charitable work. Eugenie recently stepped down as patron of the UK charity Anti-Slavery International, an organization she had supported for years.
The 35-year-old had often spoken about raising awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking, but she has not publicly addressed the Epstein documents or the allegations against her father.
Anti-Slavery Collective has not commented publicly, while other organizations connected to Eugenie have also remained silent. The Salvation Army said in a statement, “We place victims and survivors at the heart of all our decision making, and we are closely monitoring this story.”
Meanwhile, Outward Bound confirmed that Beatrice remains involved with the group “in her honorary role as Deputy Patron.”
Online reactions to the situation have been mixed. Some critics argued that the sisters should step back from public roles, while others defended them.
One commenter wrote, “The sisters both need to open their finances so they can be cleared of any involvement with Epstein.” Another said bluntly, “They should step down from everything.”
Others disagreed. One person insisted, “She is NOT responsible for her parents’ actions!!!!!!!” Another added, “So very sad that the sins of the father has [sic] to fall on the children🥲 What did she do wrong?”
Supporters also left encouraging messages, including one that read, “Eugenie, remember you are loved, and you are your own person. ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Royal Background and Life Away From the Spotlight
Despite the controversy, the sisters’ royal titles remain unchanged. As daughters of Andrew and granddaughters of the late Queen Elizabeth, they still hold their positions in the line of succession.
Beatrice is currently ninth in line, followed by her daughters Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and Athena Mapelli Mozzi. Eugenie is twelfth, with her sons August Brooksbank and Ernest Brooksbank also included in the succession list.
Both princesses grew up in a life of privilege, enjoying luxury holidays, private jets, and royal residences. Today they continue to maintain homes linked to royal properties, including apartments at Kensington Palace and St. James’s Palace.
Beatrice has built a career in international technology partnerships and founded the advisory firm BY-EQ. Eugenie works in the art world as a director at the gallery Hauser & Wirth in London.
Both women are married to wealthy husbands and now divide their time between professional work and raising their families.
A Family Under Continued Scrutiny
Sources say the sisters remain close to both of their parents but are now focusing primarily on protecting the privacy and security of their own young families.
Friends claim they have largely stepped back from public appearances and social life as the situation continues to unfold.
Meanwhile, Andrew has reportedly remained at the Sandringham estate while authorities review newly released material, and Sarah Ferguson has kept a low public profile following the emergence of additional emails.
Those messages appear to reveal a close relationship between Sarah and Epstein, with some emails showing her asking for financial help or referring to him as a source of support. In one message from 2010 she wrote, “I am feeling very traumatised and alone. I am wanting to work for you at organising your houses [sic].”
Another message asked, “When are you going to employ me,” adding, “Phew.. you still love me.”
As more documents surface and the York sisters continue to be mentioned in the correspondence, the entire family remains under close public and media scrutiny.
