Prince Andrew Absent at Royal Christmas Gathering
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie joined senior members of the British royal family at the traditional Christmas Day church service on Thursday, while their father, Prince Andrew, was notably absent amid ongoing controversy surrounding his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the royal family to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, eastern England, greeting crowds of well-wishers in cold but clear winter weather. Sandringham, located around 110 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of London, has hosted the royal family’s Christmas Day service since 1988.
Walking just behind the King and Queen were the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, accompanied by their three children. Other attending family members included Princess Anne and her husband Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their children, and Zara Tindall with her husband Mike Tindall.
Prince Andrew, now formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, did not attend the service. In October, King Charles stripped his younger brother of all royal titles, including Duke of York and prince, following renewed public pressure linked to his connections with Epstein. Andrew was also ordered to leave his residence at Windsor and relocate to private accommodation on the Sandringham estate.
Buckingham Palace previously stated that the measures were taken to protect the reputation of the monarchy, emphasizing that the King’s thoughts and sympathies remain with victims of abuse.
Andrew has consistently denied allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, an American woman who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew while underage. The dispute was settled in a U.S. civil lawsuit in 2022, without Andrew admitting any wrongdoing.
Despite the controversy surrounding their father, the presence of Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, highlighted their continued involvement in royal family events.
Following the church service, the royal family was expected to return to Sandringham House for a traditional Christmas lunch ahead of King Charles’s televised Christmas message later in the day.Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie joined the royal Christmas service as Prince Andrew remained absent amid ongoing controversy.
