Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are reportedly in a state of "limbo" as the scandal surrounding their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, takes an "unquestionable" toll on the family, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams.
Speaking to The Express, Fitzwilliams explained how the York sisters, once known as the "tripod" with their mother due to their closeness, are now facing a difficult reality behind the scenes.
A Family Under Strain
Fitzwilliams said: "Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Eugenie were always known as the tripod because they were extremely close, and that was understandable in past years. The Yorks were always a very close-knit family."
He added: "However, the scandal has unquestionably took its toll and you're basically looking at the sisters at the moment in a form of limbo."
Fitzwilliams noted that Andrew's situation differs, saying he has had "what some may see as a very temporary victory regarding the police warrants and the fact that his homes were searched unlawfully."
Keeping a Low Profile
Princess Eugenie, 36, and Princess Beatrice, 38, who are not working royals, are believed to be trying to stay out of the limelight. This year, they did not attend Royal Ascot amid public scrutiny of their parents over their historical ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Reports suggest the sisters are attempting to make amends with The Firm to secure their future ties to the Royal Family. It is understood that Sarah Ferguson has turned to her daughters for support, leaving them in a difficult position.
Ferguson is reportedly now living in the Home Counties, though there has been little publicity about this, with attention focused on Harry and Meghan.
Family Life and Book Reports
Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi split their time between an apartment in London and a property in the Cotswolds, with their two daughters, Sienna and Athena. Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank had their third baby this summer in Portugal, joining parents to August and Ernest.
There were reports that Ferguson might be working on a tell-all memoir, but representatives for Sarah told PEOPLE there have been "no discussions" about a book deal, stating: "She is not writing a personal memoir."
In late September, The Sun reported that Ferguson was "days away" from signing a book deal that would include information about Andrew's relationship with Epstein. Both Andrew and Sarah have consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing regarding their connections to Epstein.
The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following information from the Epstein files in the United States. After his arrest in February, he was taken to Aylsham police station and later released under investigation. Legal documents emerged last week after a High Court hearing in which Thames Valley Police accepted the warrants used to search his homes were unlawful.
