Princess Eugenie's Swiss Ski Holiday During Father Andrew's Arrest Revealed
While Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was being arrested on the morning of his 66th birthday, many royal watchers wondered about the whereabouts of his daughters. It has now emerged that his youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, was spotted on a skiing holiday in Switzerland with her family, just hours before the dramatic arrest.
The Arrest and Eugenie's Whereabouts
The former Duke of York was arrested as numerous police officers descended on the Sandringham estate. He was taken into police custody at Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk, where he was held for approximately 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was released at around 7:30 PM on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie was reportedly enjoying a half-term trip in the Swiss resort of Gstaad. She was seen alongside her husband, Jack Brooksbank, their children August, five, and Ernest, who turns three in May, as well as a group of friends and the children's nanny. The family was spotted stopping for a low-key lunch at Restaurant Waldmatte.
Eyewitness Account and Family Dynamics
A fellow diner at the restaurant told Hello! Magazine: "Eugenie and Jack were with the children, the nanny and a group of friends. They were tucked away in a corner and casually dressed in ski gear and jackets, and Jack was wearing a beanie hat as they both browsed the menu." The eyewitness added: "I was surprised to see her because I thought she would be keeping a low-profile in light of everything that has been going on."
This revelation comes amid reports of a strained relationship between Eugenie and her father in the face of the ongoing Epstein scandal. Royal sources have claimed that both Eugenie and her older sister, Princess Beatrice, are "in a state" over their father's arrest. The princesses have not commented publicly on the situation but are privately said to be trying their hardest to "put a brave face on it."
Switzerland's Royal Connections and the Aftermath
The area in Switzerland is a favourite with royalty, A-listers, and billionaires, with King Charles previously visiting the region. Switzerland holds special significance for Eugenie and Jack, as they first met during a ski holiday to Verbier, where Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, used to own a chalet.
Following the arrest, Thames Valley Police released a statement confirming that Andrew had been released under investigation and that searches on the Sandringham Estate had concluded. The arrest stemmed from allegations that Andrew shared reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.
In response to the arrest, King Charles issued a statement saying that "the law must take its course" after expressing his deepest concern. This development follows the release of millions of files by the US Department of Justice in relation to the Epstein scandal, which allege Andrew forwarded information to the convicted sex offender.
Eugenie was last seen over a week ago in Qatar, attending a high-end contemporary art fair in Doha. As the royal family navigates this tumultuous period, the princesses' efforts to maintain normalcy amidst the scandal continue to draw public attention.
