Royal Christmas shake-up sees two other royals skip Sandringham amid Prince Andrew saga
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Prince William recently revealed that some 45 members of the royal family are heading to Sandringham to celebrate Christmas with King Charles this year. But there will be some notable absentees. Prince Andrew, along with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, have chosen to remain at Royal Lodge for the festive period in light of the ongoing 'spy-scandal'. And they aren't the only ones to miss out on the royal revelry.
Their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, have reportedly also decided to skip the traditional gathering. It's understood that both sisters were invited to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws several months ago, and have decided to take them up on the kind offer.
Beatrice has been married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi since 2020, and the couple are currently expecting their second child due in the New Year. They also share daughter Sienna, 3, and son Wolfie, 8, who is Edo's son from a previous relationship. Eugenie, meanwhile, tied the knot with Jack Brooksbank in 2018, and together they share two sons together, August, 3 and Ernest, 1.
The York sisters have only missed the Sandringham celebration once in the past decade as a result of the coronavirus restrictions in 2020. Yet despite missing out on the event, which is due to be attended by many key royals including Prince William and his wife Princess Kate - this year will mark a milestone for both sisters, as it is the first time they have spent Christmas with their respective in-laws.
Meanwhile, it's been reported that it was Sarah who convinced Andrew to step back from the Sandringham celebrations this year - even if it meant sacrificing her own invitation in the process. According to The Independent: "The decision for the pair to stay put at the Royal Lodge is thought to have been made easier by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s plans to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws this year for the first time.".
