Reports claim the sisters have been told they will not attend Royal Ascot this year — the same event where the awkward interaction took place.
“I’ve spoken to my friend who works at Ascot and they said the girls have been told they can’t be there this year,” a source told the Daily Mail.
“Beatrice has taken it the hardest. She’s been completely blindsided by all of this.”
Royal family distancing themselves
Prince William is also said to have encouraged members of the Royal Family to avoid appearing in photographs with Beatrice and Eugenie for the remainder of the year.
The sisters have been dealing with intense scrutiny following the release of the Epstein Files, which detailed connections between their parents and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations contributed to the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
According to Hello! magazine’s royal editor Emily Nash, the controversy has complicated relationships within the royal household.
“Kate has been a central member of the Royal Family for 15 years now and knows them all well, but like William, she is very aware of public opinion and the risk that this scandal poses to the monarchy’s reputation,” Nash explained.
“They will understandably want to distance themselves as much as possible from it.”
