Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are reportedly growing increasingly concerned about their future within the Royal Family as they look ahead to a major change in the monarchy. The York sisters are said to be taking steps to protect their individual positions while also keeping some distance from the controversy surrounding their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson.
Mountbatten-Windsor and Ferguson were mentioned in the Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice earlier this year. An insider has claimed that Beatrice and Eugenie have recognised that being closely associated with each other has not always worked in their favour and are now pursuing their own paths.
Sisters 'going their separate ways'
The insider told Women's Day: "They love each other dearly, of course, but they’ve realised that always being seen as a package deal hasn’t necessarily helped them so they’re going their separate ways.
"There’s a lot at stake right now, they’re both fighting to hang on to their place within the monarchy and that pressure has definitely got them feeling competitive."
The insider also claimed they are both concerned about whether their place in the Royal Family will remain stable when Prince William ascends the throne.
Fear of being 'shut out'
Neither of the sisters are working royals. They said: "They’re both so worried about what happens when William takes over. They don’t want to suddenly be shut out of events like Royal Ascot, or Christmas at Sandringham. Or, worst of all, lose their homes."
The source claimed Beatrice and Eugenie are now concentrating on building their own networks and opportunities rather than relying on their relationship as sisters. They said: "You’d think they’d want to join forces in this and help each other but that is not the route they’re taking, it’s every woman for herself."
Princess Beatrice and her family live in the Cotswolds. Princess Eugenie primarily lives in Portugal with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their two sons, August and Ernest. She also retains a UK base at the Ivy Cottage, Kensington Palace, which is a three-bedroom property.
Legal action over arrest
Being mentioned in the Epstein files doesn't indicate any wrongdoing. Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested earlier this year on his 66th birthday shortly after moving out of Royal Lodge in Windsor, for suspicion of misconduct while in public office.
He was questioned for nearly 12 hours at Aylsham police station and then released under investigation. He is now taking legal action against police and the Central Criminal Court following his arrest in February. A private high court hearing is due to take place on Thursday. He has requested that a judge examine the lawfulness of the warrants.
A Palace source has made clear that while the King provides a private annual stipend for Mountbatten-Windsor, this money is not to be used to fund such a judicial review. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his links to Epstein.
