Why Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie Won’t Spend Christmas With the Royal Family at Sandringham

The princesses were invited to the Sandringham celebrations, as well as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s house in California.

With Christmas being quite literally around the corner, members of the British royal family have started finalizing their plans—and Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, reportedly have their respective events set in stone.

While it was initially thought that Andrew, Ferguson, and their daughters might make the trip to Sandringham, Hello! Magazine now reports that “the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will not be spending Christmas with the royal family in Sandringham this year.” The outlet added that “it’s understood that it was decided earlier this year that Beatrice and Eugenie will spend the festive period with their respective in-laws for the first time since their marriages this year.”

Eugenie will spend the holiday with husband Jack Brooksbank, their two sons August and Ernest, and her in-laws, while Beatrice will spend the holiday with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their daughter Sienna, Mozzi’s son Wolfie, and his side of the family.

Andrew’s lack of attendance at Sandringham this year comes after reports that he was banned from the festivities were negated with claims that King Charles did invited him to the celebrations. Either way, Andrew’s ex-wife, Ferguson, recently gave an interview to The Sunday Times in which she said she “won’t let him down” because “he supports me as much as I support him.” She added, “He’s the best, a great man with a great heart, and kind.”

There is a chance, though, that Eugenie and Brooksbank could catch up with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after Christmas. On December 9, the Express reported that Eugenie was invited to both Meghan and Harry’s, as well as Sandringham, which put her in a “very difficult position.” The source added, “It would be so nice for the children to spend time with their cousins. The diary is very tight over the holidays but there might be a slot free around New Years’ time for everyone to come together at some point.”