Prince William and Princess Catherine have threatened to miss this year’s Royal Ascot if there is a chance they could be photographed next to any of the former York family, it has been reported. The royal couple are said to be keen in keeping their distance from Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie amid their parents’ connection to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The sisters are currently experiencing the fallout of the Epstein scandal, as well as their father’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, was later released under investigation.
As well as their frustration with Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, William and Catherine are thought to have become increasing wary of Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35.
Speaking of Royal Ascot, one of the William and Catherine’s friends told the Daily Mail: “I can tell you that William and Catherine won’t go if any of the Yorks are there.”
It was reported earlier this week that Eugenie and Beatrice have been banned from attending this year’s Royal Ascot – which is known to be a major event in the royal calendar.
The Mail on Sunday reported that the decision comes as part of a plan to exclude Beatrice and Eugenie from public-facing events amid the scandal surrounding the House of York and its ties with Epstein.
A source said they had spoken to a friend who works at Ascot and they said the princesses have been told they can’t attend this year. They told the publication: “Beatrice has taken it the hardest. She’s been completely blindsided by all of this.”
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As reported by RadarOnline, one source revealed that Beatrice and Eugenie both have differing approaches to how they deal with their parents.
They said: “Beatrice has always had a fiercely loyal streak, especially when it comes to her father. Her instinct is to stand by Andrew and show solidarity, regardless of the public backlash. She feels that turning away in difficult moments would only deepen the fracture.”
Speaking of Andrew’s youngest daughter, they added: “But Eugenie is taking a more cautious approach. Her priority is protecting her husband and children, and preserving the credibility she has built in her own career.