Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have faced an ‘extraordinarily difficult’ period after Prince Andrew controversy, royal expert says

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been through an “extremely difficult” period since the Prince Andrew controversy arose, a royal expert has said.

The 64-year-old Duke of York was embroiled in a scandal after his relationship with American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was thrust into the spotlight in 2019.

He spoke about their friendship in a ‘car crash’ interview with Emily Maitliss on BBC Newsnight, which has led to two separate TV dramas – one of which was released last month.

Andrew has vehemently and repeatedly denied all allegations against him.

Royal commentator Jennie Bond, the BBC’s former royal correspondent, has claimed that this period – and an ongoing row over Andrew’s lease at Royal Lodge – has had an impact on his daughters.

The 64-year-old Duke of York was embroiled in scandal after his relationship with American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was thrust into the spotlight in 2019

She told me OK! Magazine: ‘I imagine this whole issue has been extremely difficult for Beatrice and Eugenie, especially for Beatrice as she was involved in the recording of the interview.

“Beatrice strikes me as a very compassionate young woman and I’m sure she cares deeply about her father and mother throughout this whole drama, especially with the renewed interest from the latest documentary.

“However, there comes a time when you have to take care of your own young family first and I suspect Beatrice has now achieved that.”

Princess Beatrice, 36, confirmed earlier this week that she is expecting her second child with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The couple already shares a daughter, three-year-old Sienna.

And despite the challenges the family has faced over the past five years, Mrs Bond believes the Yorks ‘remain an incredibly close family’.

She said: ‘I seriously doubt Beatrice is avoiding Royal Lodge – but like any young mother she has plenty to deal with in her own life and in her own home at the moment.’

Andrew has vehemently and repeatedly denied all allegations against him

Princess Eugenie of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Color Ceremony in 2013

Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

Last month, sources claimed that Prince Andrew will be forced to pay for the maintenance and security of Royal Lodge himself or consider living elsewhere as King Charles’ financial support ends.

Charles has long been trying to get his younger brother out of the thirty-room building in Windsor where he lives with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

Andrew, the Duke of York, has insisted on staying at the manor despite stepping down from official duties almost five years ago.

The King has been funding private security guards at the mansion since Andrew’s armed agents – who cost £3million a year – were removed in 2022 amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Beatrice, 36, shared a photo of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

But now pressure is growing for action, as substantial subsidies from the king and the royal family will not be available indefinitely, the BBC reported.

If Andrew can privately finance the costs of the maintenance and security, he can stay, but if not, he will have to consider living elsewhere.

Meanwhile, sources have told the BBC that a move to a smaller property such as Frogmore Cottage would be down to finances rather than family differences.

Charles is said to be at his wits’ end and has made it clear that there are now only ‘two possible options’ for Andrew, The Times reported.