King Charles has reportedly decided that Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, will not be invited to the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations this year. The decision follows renewed scrutiny over their ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Media reports claim the King wishes to keep the Duke and Duchess of York at a distance after revelations that Ferguson privately apologized to Epstein for disowning him in public. Insiders also suggest the couple has been asked to remain «invisible» at future royal gatherings to avoid further embarrassment for the monarchy.
Andrew and Ferguson, who divorced in 1996 but continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor, were also absent from last year’s Christmas events. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, did not join them during the holiday either.
The fresh controversy has already affected Ferguson’s public role, with several charities cutting ties after the reports emerged. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales is said to fully support the King’s stance, viewing his uncle as a reputational risk for the royal household.
The Duke of York stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following his association with Epstein. Although Andrew has denied allegations of sexual misconduct, he reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of abuse when she was a minor.
