The Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the Duke of York’s immediate family, pulling Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie deeper into public controversy. Although Prince Andrew’s reputation collapsed under the weight of his own choices, particularly his connection with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the ripple effects have reached every corner of his family’s lives.
A Family Struggling Under the Weight of Scandal
Sarah Ferguson, 66, has once again found herself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Once regarded as a lively, relatable royal figure, Ferguson is now battling the consequences of her long-standing association with Epstein. Her troubles reignited after a 2011 email resurfaced in which she described Epstein as her “supreme friend” and appeared to apologize for publicly criticizing him.
Following this revelation, several charities severed ties with her. Once a popular patron, Ferguson now retains only one formal affiliation — Sarah’s Trust, her personal foundation that supports vulnerable communities and “forgotten women” worldwide. However, BBC News found that the charity’s website is inactive, its “Duchess Collection” product line no longer exists, and its contact details appear out of date.
The UK Charity Commission has reportedly reminded the foundation to update its information. Yet, BBC’s repeated attempts to contact the organization failed, with emails bouncing back and the listed phone number being unrecognised — a troubling sign for a high-profile charity tied to a former member of the royal family.
Publishing Industry Distances Itself
Sarah Ferguson’s literary career is also facing turbulence. Her upcoming children’s book, Flora and Fern: Kindness Along The Way, was originally due for release on October 9 but has been delayed to November 28, according to Amazon. Publisher New Frontier Publishing has not commented, but insiders say delaying the release was “an entirely sensible decision” given the controversy.
HarperCollins, which published Ferguson’s two previous novels, including A Most Intriguing Lady (2023), declined to say whether it would continue working with her. Industry analysts note that publishers rarely drop authors outright — they simply choose not to renew contracts quietly.
Despite the speculation, Ferguson continues to maintain business ventures, public appearances, and her personal brand. However, critics argue that her ongoing connection to Epstein and her former husband’s scandals have made her persona “radioactive” in the public eye.
Beatrice and Eugenie’s Royal Balancing Act
For Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, the scandals surrounding their parents have created immense challenges. The two royal sisters have maintained their titles as daughters of a sovereign’s son, but they are not working royals and receive no public funding. Both have established professional lives outside the royal institution — Beatrice as the founder of the advisory firm BY-Eq, and Eugenie as a director at the art gallery Hauser & Wirth.
Yet despite their best efforts to remain independent, the pair cannot escape the shadow of their family’s scandals. This week, Beatrice attended the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia, while Eugenie was seen in Paris with friends — both seemingly distancing themselves from the media storm in the UK.
However, controversy continues to follow them. A resurfaced photograph showing Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Harvey Weinstein attending Beatrice’s 18th birthday party reignited public debate about the York family’s social circle. Additionally, leaked emails from Epstein to his lawyer suggested that Ferguson and her daughters may have visited Epstein in New York after his release from prison in 2009 — allegations that the family strongly denies.
Charitable Work Faces New Scrutiny
Princess Eugenie’s charity, The Anti-Slavery Collective, which focuses on combating human trafficking, also faces renewed attention. Financial filings revealed the organization raised £1.5 million last year but distributed very little of that amount, with £1.3 million carried forward. BBC News reported that the charity did not respond to requests for comment regarding its financial transparency or the current controversy involving the family.
Meanwhile, royal sources confirmed that the late Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis continue to be cared for by Prince Andrew, Ferguson, and their daughters — though questions remain over where the dogs now live, given the family’s changing circumstances.
Uncertain Future for the York Family
The York family now faces a pivotal moment. With Prince Andrew set to relocate to Norfolk, and Sarah Ferguson forced to leave their long-time home, Royal Lodge, family life is expected to become even more fragmented. Ferguson recently sold her Belgravia flat for £4.2 million, further signaling her departure from the luxurious lifestyle she once shared with Andrew.
The upcoming Christmas season may further highlight this separation. Andrew is reportedly excluded from the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham, and Ferguson’s own holiday plans remain unknown. With both parents in disarray, Beatrice and Eugenie may have to choose between spending the holidays with their scandal-hit parents or the broader royal family.
The York Legacy in Jeopardy
For decades, the Yorks represented the more down-to-earth branch of the British monarchy. Yet, the continued Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew scandal has transformed them into a cautionary tale of how privilege, poor judgment, and controversial associations can permanently tarnish a royal image.
Even though Beatrice and Eugenie have led relatively private lives, building their own families and careers, their parents’ reputations continue to overshadow their achievements. As one royal commentator put it:
“The York brand is now tainted beyond repair. The princesses will always be caught between loyalty to their parents and the desire to protect their own futures.”
The coming months will test whether the daughters of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew can truly break free from the past — or whether they, too, will be bound by the lingering legacy of scandal.
