Public attention surrounding Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has remained a recurring topic in international media since his withdrawal from official royal duties in 2019. While much reporting has focused on the Duke himself, interest has also extended to members of his immediate family, including his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have largely chosen to keep their personal responses private.
This approach aligns with long-standing royal practice, where family members typically avoid commenting publicly on legal matters or controversies involving relatives. Instead, communications are usually issued through official channels such as Buckingham Palace, or not at all, particularly when individuals are not working members of the monarchy.
Why Prince Andrew Has Faced Continued Public Attention
Prince Andrew’s public role changed significantly following his association with convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, which prompted widespread media scrutiny. In November 2019, Andrew stepped back from public duties following a televised interview that drew criticism and raised further questions about his judgment and past connections.
Subsequently, in January 2022, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew would return his honorary military titles and royal patronages. The palace stated that he would no longer use the style “His Royal Highness” in any official capacity. These decisions were widely reported by reputable outlets including BBC and other major international news organizations.
Later in 2022, Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement in a civil case brought in the United States by Virginia Giuffre. The agreement included a financial payment but did not involve an admission of liability. The Duke has consistently denied wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been filed against him in connection with the matter.
The Position of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
Although both daughters of the Duke of York remain public figures, neither Princess Beatrice nor Princess Eugenie holds a full-time working royal role. Instead, they pursue private careers while occasionally representing the royal family at ceremonial or charitable events.
Historically, both have maintained a low-profile stance regarding family controversies. Royal commentators often note that this reflects a broader tradition within the monarchy, where individual members rarely speak publicly about sensitive issues affecting relatives.
Public appearances by the sisters since 2019 have continued largely unchanged. They have attended major national events such as Trooping the Colour, royal weddings, and memorial services, signaling continuity rather than withdrawal. Analysts frequently interpret this as an effort to maintain stability and avoid amplifying media speculation.
Family Support and Public Perception
Observers of the monarchy often point out that the British royal family places strong emphasis on unity and discretion. While the Duke of York’s situation has drawn sustained coverage, the absence of detailed public commentary from his daughters is consistent with this approach.
Royal historians have also noted that the sisters’ measured public presence may help protect their own independent professional and charitable work. Princess Beatrice has been involved in technology and education initiatives, while Princess Eugenie has worked in the art world and supports several environmental and anti-modern-slavery charities.
Their continued engagement in these fields reinforces a message often emphasized by royal communications experts: that individual members of the family are encouraged to focus on their own causes rather than respond directly to controversies.
Sarah Ferguson’s Public Role
The Duke of York’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, also remains a visible public figure. Though she divorced Andrew in 1996, the two have maintained an amicable relationship and continue to share family events.
In recent years, Ferguson has focused on writing, charity work, and public advocacy. She has spoken openly about health challenges, including her cancer diagnoses in 2023 and 2024, using her platform to encourage medical screening awareness. Her public messaging has typically centered on health and philanthropy rather than past controversies.
As with Andrew’s daughters, Ferguson’s public statements about the Duke’s situation have been limited, reflecting a preference for privacy during periods of heightened media attention.
The Broader Context: Media, Monarchy, and Privacy
The British royal family’s relationship with the press has long been complex. Scholars studying constitutional monarchy often point out that public interest in royal figures tends to rise during periods of uncertainty or controversy.
However, official royal communications usually emphasize restraint. Buckingham Palace statements generally focus on confirmed developments rather than speculation, and family members rarely comment on legal or personal matters unless necessary.
This framework helps explain why figures such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie often remain silent in public discussions surrounding their father. Their approach mirrors historical precedent, where discretion is viewed as a means of maintaining institutional stability.
A Strategy of Continuity Rather Than Reaction
Experts in royal affairs frequently argue that the monarchy’s strength lies in continuity. Public appearances, charitable engagements, and ceremonial roles often proceed regardless of media cycles.
For the Duke of York’s daughters, continuing their professional and philanthropic work without direct comment may be seen as part of this strategy. Rather than respond to headlines, they maintain a steady public presence that signals normality and focus on long-term responsibilities.
Conclusion
While public interest in Prince Andrew’s past associations and legal matters remains significant, members of his immediate family — including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Sarah Ferguson — have largely chosen privacy over public commentary.
This approach reflects established royal communication practices and emphasizes continuity, discretion, and focus on charitable work. As coverage evolves, the family’s measured stance illustrates how the modern monarchy often balances transparency with tradition in the face of ongoing media scrutiny.