Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are facing renewed pressures on their public and professional lives as scrutiny intensifies over their parents' historical ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The sisters, who do not carry out official royal duties but maintain public-facing careers and philanthropic roles, are reportedly confronting growing reputational challenges as attention returns to Prince Andrew's past associations and comments resurfacing about Sarah Ferguson.
The renewed spotlight coincided with both princesses leaving the United Kingdom last week. Princess Beatrice, 37, traveled to Saudi Arabia to attend the Future Investment Initiative, while Princess Eugenie, 35, visited Paris. The timing drew notice as reports circulated suggesting that Andrew and Ferguson may soon lose access to their long-held residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor amid financial strain and lingering public criticism.
"Beatrice and Eugenie are in an impossible position," one palace source told Geo News. "They've both worked hard to build independent careers, but the shadow of their parents' scandals keeps following them."
Princess Beatrice runs a business consultancy and previously worked with Afiniti as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, advising on artificial intelligence applications. Princess Eugenie serves as a director at the international gallery Hauser & Wirth and co-founded the Anti-Slavery Collective, a non-profit focused on combating trafficking and modern slavery. Their roles have allowed them to define identities outside the monarchy, yet those identities remain closely tied to the family name.
"Their professional standing depends on public trust," said one commentator. "But that trust erodes every time new details about Andrew and Epstein emerge."
Prince Andrew stepped back from public duties and relinquished his royal titles after settling a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of abuse while she was being trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Ferguson, 66, faced backlash in 2011 when she referred to Epstein as her "supreme friend" in emails that circulated following his conviction.
The emotional strain on the sisters appears visible. Yahoo News UK reported that Beatrice and Eugenie were seen embracing during a recent outing in London, described as appearing distressed as renewed media attention intensified.
"It's deeply shaming," a source told The List. "Beatrice and Eugenie are horrified that their family name is tied to something so dark. They've tried to lead dignified lives, but this stain keeps resurfacing."
Despite the reputational challenges, the sisters remain close to both parents. They have previously described their bond as a supportive "tripod," but advisers have reportedly encouraged them to limit public joint appearances with Andrew and Ferguson while focusing on their independent work and private lives.
"They love their parents but understand how it looks," said a family friend. "They're trying to stand on their own feet while dealing with the fallout of something they had no part in."
