Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in 'difficult position' after Charles' Christmas plans

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have reportedly been left in a “very difficult position” over their Christmas plans, as King Charles has signalled that Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson won’t be welcome at official festive celebrations.

According to a source close to the monarch, Charles wants to keep the Yorks at “an arm’s length” in light of the recent revelations of Fergie’s connection to billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Since the Duchess of York’s 2011 email to the late financier resurfaced, and while Prince Andrew has long been linked to Epstein through a number of scandals, King Charles has made clear that he would prefer the Yorks to take an "out of sight, out of mind" approach for any future family occasions.

READ MORE: Sarah Ferguson dealt fresh blow in Epstein scandal as she 'risks losing another title'

READ MORE: Prince William and Kate invited on major royal tour after key meeting with King Charles

As a result of Fergie and Andrew are reportedly being ceremoniously ousted from this year’s traditional royal family Christmas celebrations, and their daughters Eugenie and Beatrice are now caught in the middle of the Firm and their disgraced parents, according to royal commentator Phil Dampier.

The royal expert told the Daily Mail that the sisters “may feel it would be unfair” of them to join the King and Queen and other royals at Sandringham, if their parents aren't invited.

Mr Dampier told the publication: “If it turns out they are not invited, or decide themselves not to go, then it makes it very difficult for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. They may feel it would be unfair of them to go when their parents aren’t there and it simply rubs salt in their wounds.

“The King has a soft spot for both Beatrice and Eugenie and feels sorry for the situation they are in. So it’s a real dilemma for him and one he could do without.”

The royal author suggested that the Prince of Wales would also not want the sisters to be left out because of their parents, adding: “He does have a good relationship with his cousins.”

Last year, Eugenie spent Christmas with her in-laws, Jack Brooksbank's family, while Beatrice joined other royals at Sandringham. The only other time either of the sisters has missed the Royal Family's festive gathering is in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

In addition to being excluded from this year’s Christmas gathering, the King has reportedly told Fergie and Andrew that he expected them to be “invisible” at future royal events.

A source told The Sunday Times : “You can’t sack someone from being your brother. But this year, if the duke and duchess were both to be as honourable [as last year], it would be very much for the best and the family would not be disappointed, not least to avoid the King having to make any more difficult decisions.”

The decision is being supported by the Prince of Wales, who is understood to be frustrated and concerned by the Yorks' behaviour causing long-term reputational risk to the royal family.