Royal Sisters Attend Pre-Christmas Lunch Amid Father’s Absence
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie surprised many by attending King Charles III’s pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, adding an unexpected dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding their father, Prince Andrew.
Beatrice, 36, was joined by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, while Eugenie, 34, attended alongside her husband, Jack Brooksbank. Their presence at the private gathering was notable, given earlier reports that both sisters planned to spend Christmas Day with their in-laws—a departure from royal traditions.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew was absent from the event, opting out amid continued scrutiny over his alleged ties to banned Chinese spy Yang Tengbo. The Duke of York reportedly made the decision after consulting his ex-wife and confidante, Sarah, Duchess of York. Andrew is also expected to skip the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, further straining his already precarious position within the royal fold.
The annual pre-Christmas lunch, hosted by King Charles, offers an opportunity for extended family members who won’t attend the main festivities in Norfolk to reconnect. However, Andrew’s absence and the sisters’ unexpected participation have drawn significant attention, highlighting the complex dynamics within the royal family during a challenging period.
This latest development comes as Prince Andrew faces mounting public backlash following revelations in a High Court hearing about his connection with Tengbo, who has been barred from entering the UK. Beatrice and Eugenie’s attendance underscores their continued presence within the royal circle, even as their father’s standing remains in question.
