King Charles III is preparing to host his annual Christmas gathering at the Sandringham Estate, but this year's celebrations will be notably missing two prominent figures: his brother, Prince Andrew, and Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. The couple have been informed they are not welcome, marking the second consecutive year of their exclusion amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding their association with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
A Fractured Family Festive Season
The decision to keep the Duke and Duchess of York at arm's length follows a steady stream of revelations about their links to Epstein. Sources indicate the final straw for King Charles was the disclosure that Sarah Ferguson wrote to Epstein to apologise for publicly disowning him, subsequently referring to the financier as a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend." This has solidified the monarch's resolve to distance the working Royal Family from the scandal.
Prince Andrew faced further embarrassment this year with the release of images from the US Department of Justice's Epstein files. One photograph shows him lying across the knees of five women in a room at Sandringham, with Ghislaine Maxwell standing behind him. This has raised fresh questions about his judgment in bringing such individuals into the Royal Family's inner circle.
The absence places their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, in a difficult position. Reportedly feeling torn between loyalty to the King and her parents, Princess Beatrice, 36, has opted to spend Christmas overseas on a skiing holiday with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their children, and friends. Her eight-month-old daughter, Athena, will therefore not spend her first Christmas with the wider royals.
The Expanded Guest List at Sandringham
Despite these absences, the Christmas table at Sandringham is set to be full, with potentially 39 guests over the three-day celebration. This expansion is partly due to the late Queen Elizabeth II's decision in 2006 to relax the strict rule that only married partners could attend. The tradition was famously tested when a young Kate Middleton, then Prince William's girlfriend, declined an invitation until they were engaged.
Now, the rule is firmly a thing of the past. This year, Peter Phillips is expected to bring his fiancée, Harriet Sperling, who has already been introduced to the King and Queen at events like Royal Ascot. Similarly, Samuel Chatto, grandson of Princess Margaret, attended last year with his girlfriend, Eleanor Ekserdjian, and may do so again.
The core Royal Family will be present, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—whose walk to church is a highlight for gathered well-wishers. They will be joined by Prince Edward, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and their children, as well as Princess Anne, her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, and her extended family including Zara and Mike Tindall with their three children.
Furthermore, Queen Camilla has bolstered numbers by inviting members of her own family. Her son, Tom Parker Bowles, and his children are expected, alongside her daughter, Laura Lopes, with her husband and three children. Camilla's sister and close aide, Annabel Elliot, will also be in attendance.
Notable Absences and Lingering Tensions
While Princess Beatrice has made her plans clear, a question mark hangs over her sister, Princess Eugenie. The 35-year-old, along with her husband Jack Brooksbank and their two young sons, is still welcome at Sandringham. However, she faces the same painful dilemma: accept the King's hospitality or show solidarity with her parents, who are spending what is expected to be their final Christmas at Royal Lodge before vacating it next year. Last year, Eugenie chose to spend the festive period at her home in Portugal.
Meanwhile, any speculation of a surprise appearance from Montecito has been firmly quashed. There is no invitation for Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, or their children, Archie and Lilibet. This is despite a slight thaw in relations, evidenced by Harry's brief meeting with his father at Clarence House in September 2024—their first face-to-face encounter in 18 months. During subsequent comments, Harry stated his "conscience is clear" regarding his public criticisms but that his focus should be on his father's health in the coming year.
As the Royal Family gathers, the empty seats reserved for Andrew and Sarah Ferguson will serve as a stark reminder of the enduring consequences of the Epstein scandal. The celebrations at Sandringham will continue, blending tradition with modern family dynamics, yet overshadowed by the fractures within the House of Windsor.
