Renewed scrutiny around Jeffrey Epstein has rippled beyond Britain's royal household and into the private calculations of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, according to people familiar with discussions surrounding the couple. The controversy, centered on newly released material involving Sarah Ferguson, has drawn Prince Harry into a delicate family dilemma while underscoring Meghan Markle's heightened sensitivity to reputational risk.
The disclosures have, for the first time, connected Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to the broader Epstein narrative through historical correspondence involving their mother. The development has unsettled Prince Harry, who has maintained close personal ties with his cousins even after his withdrawal from royal duties.
According to Duncan Larcombe, the episode has exposed a familiar tension within the Sussex household. Larcombe said Meghan Markle is acutely aware of the reputational risks associated with any renewed Epstein coverage and has urged caution as Harry considers whether to show public support for his relatives.
The broader royal family has responded cautiously. Prince Edward publicly addressed the controversy, urging observers to "remember the victims," a remark that signaled the seriousness with which the latest revelations are being treated inside the monarchy.
For Meghan Markle, the timing presents an added challenge. She has been attempting to reframe her public profile in the United States, shifting from royal dissenter to lifestyle entrepreneur. Her Netflix series With Love, Meghan has drawn muted response beyond its initial release, and speculation has mounted over the platform's long-term plans for the project.
At the same time, Markle's consumer brand As Ever has faced awkward questions following a technical issue that appeared to expose internal inventory figures. Sources close to the business told People that the products were "flying off the shelf," though the episode highlighted the fragility of perception in a crowded U.S. retail market.
The Sussexes' evolving posture reflects a broader recalibration. Their commercial prospects once benefited from proximity to the royal family, but continued association with royal controversies now risks complicating brand partnerships and media ventures. Advisers say this reality has sharpened Markle's focus on minimizing exposure to scandals not of her making.
For Prince Harry, the cost of discretion is personal. Beatrice and Eugenie have remained among his closest links to his former life in Britain, and the expectation that he distance himself from their current difficulties has underscored the strains inherent in balancing loyalty with public strategy.
