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Andrew's scandal reshapes Ferguson family's future amid Epstein ties
The fallout from Prince Andrew's controversies has extended to his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as charities sever ties, business ventures stall, and the family faces public scrutiny over their connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ferguson's charitable and business ventures falter
Sarah Ferguson, 66, will vacate Royal Lodge-the Windsor home she shared with Andrew-amid mounting pressure over her past association with Epstein. Several charities dropped her as patron in September after a 2011 email surfaced, in which she referred to Epstein as her "supreme friend" and appeared to apologize for publicly criticizing him. Only her own foundation, Sarah's Trust, remains linked to her, though its website for the "Duchess Collection" fundraiser is now defunct.
The Charity Commission confirmed it had contacted Sarah's Trust to update its contact details after BBC inquiries went unanswered. The charity, which supports "forgotten women" globally, has not addressed whether Ferguson's Epstein ties conflict with its mission.
Book delays and publisher silence
Ferguson's latest children's book, Flora And Fern: Kindness Along The Way, saw its October 9 release postponed to November 28, per Amazon listings. Waterstones confirmed the delay but provided no new date. Publisher New Frontier did not respond to requests for comment. Industry insiders suggest the shift reflects caution: "Publishers don't drop authors-they just don't renew contracts," noted Neill Denny of Book Brunch.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie navigate public roles
While Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, retain their princess titles-as daughters of a sovereign's son-their ability to distance themselves from their parents' scandals remains uncertain. Beatrice attended a Saudi investment summit this week, while Eugenie was photographed in Paris. Both have faced renewed scrutiny after a 2001 photo resurfaced showing Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Harvey Weinstein at Beatrice's 18th birthday party.
A Telegraph report cited a leaked Epstein email suggesting Ferguson and the princesses visited him in New York post-prison (2009). Ferguson's spokesperson denied any recollection of such a visit. The princesses, who are not working royals, balance careers-Beatrice's advisory firm BY-Eq and Eugenie's role at Hauser & Wirth gallery-with philanthropy. Eugenie's anti-slavery charity raised £1.5m last year but distributed little, retaining £1.3m.
Family dynamics in flux
Andrew's relocation to Sandringham separates him from his daughters and grandchildren. Ferguson, though divorced from Andrew since 1996, had remained at Royal Lodge; her next residence is unclear after selling her £4.2m Belgravia flat. The family's traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham may exclude Andrew, leaving the princesses to choose between parents, in-laws, or the wider Royal Family-a decision observers view as symbolic of their future allegiances.
Unresolved questions and lingering ties
Royal sources confirmed Andrew will retain custody of the late Queen's corgis, though their primary residence is undecided. Meanwhile, Ferguson's business ventures-including children's books and Queen Victoria biographies-face uncertainty. Publishers like HarperCollins, which released her 2023 title A Most Intriguing Lady, declined to comment on future projects.
As the York family's reputation frays, the princesses' next moves-professional, philanthropic, and personal-will be closely watched.
