Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie plot alternative royal Christmas amid 'confusion' over Prince Andrew 'spy' scandal
Despite the Royal Family enduring one of their most difficult years in living memory, the last few days have brought about yet more scandal after the Duke of York's association with an alleged Chinese spy was revealed. While the news prompted the Prince to pull out of the upcoming church walk at Sandringham on Christmas Day, his two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, may not have their Christmases affected, a leading royal expert points out.
Speaking exclusively to OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explains: "I think Fergie’s fierce loyalty has certainly rubbed off on the girls. They love their father and it has been incredibly hard for them to see him sacked, disgraced and pilloried for so long. And now this."
With the news that both Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are expected to spend the festive season with their respective in-laws, Jennie adds: "I think they will be worried about how beaten down he probably feels and they will be very protective of him.
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon and husband Joe Swash make huge change to Christmas plans
READ MORE: Inside Barney Walsh's rural barn conversion home - from cosy 'man cave' to outdoor swimming pool
"But little children lighten every mood, so I imagine they will gather round Andrew and Fergie as much as possible with their tiny tots. You can’t be morose and sad when little people are creating mayhem all around!"
Despite both of their parents having been at the centre of various scandals over the years, both Beatrice and Eugenie have remained dutiful and devoted to causes which are dear to their hearts.
"The girls have been a credit to their parents," Jennie explains. "They have held their heads up high through every scandal and embarrassment. But it must be hard… and it must be rather confusing to be the daughter comforting and defending the parent, when nature decrees it should be the other way round."
Following the news that Prince Andrew's Christmas will be different this year after it was announced that neither he nor Sarah, Duchess of York will spend time with the rest of the family when they return to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Speaking about how the decision would have come about following the Duke's latest scandal, Jennie explained how the recent headlines are “another embarrassing row” involving the royal and that King Charles would have “hated” to have had to uninvite his brother from the Sandringham gathering.
“Andrew would have had to be living on another planet to be unaware of the furore surrounding his association with an alleged spy. Just as the year is set to end on a high for the Royal Family - with the King and Princess of Wales greeting the crowds on Christmas Day - along comes another embarrassing row involving the Duke of York.
“The King is a kind soul and Andrew is his brother: he would have hated to be put in the position of having to un-invite him or ban him from what promises to be a big family get together.
"It seems quite likely that Andrew sat down with Fergie, and possibly his daughters, to discuss the best solution. Thankfully, wise heads have prevailed and he obviously realised that his presence at Sandringham would be an embarrassing distraction on a day which - this year of all years - should be all about the King and Catherine.”
