Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, were expected to make a glamorous appearance at one of London’s most high-profile social events – but the royal sisters were notably absent. The pair were reportedly listed among the guests for the British Museum’s inaugural Pink Ball, a glittering affair that’s been dubbed the capital’s answer to New York’s Met Gala.
The star-studded event drew a roster of fashion and society heavyweights, including Naomi Campbell, Lady Kitty Spencer and Janet Jackson. Yet when the red carpet lights came up on Saturday night, the York sisters were nowhere to be seen.
No official reason has been given for their absence, but the timing has raised eyebrows, coming just a day after their father, Prince Andrew, rescinded use of his royal titles following discussions with King Charles III.
Their no-show came just a day after Buckingham Palace confirmed that their father, Prince Andrew, 65, would no longer use his Duke of York title or royal honours.
The decision followed private discussions with King Charles III and other senior members of the Royal Family.
In a statement released by the Palace, the Duke said: “In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Although Andrew retains his “Prince” title by birthright, he has been stripped of his dukedom and senior honours, including his Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter.
The decision also extends to his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who will no longer be permitted to use her Duchess of York styling publicly.
For Eugenie and Beatrice, their quiet withdrawal from the British Museum’s event – an evening celebrating fashion and philanthropy, comes at a sensitive time.
The sisters, who have worked to modernise their image while balancing royal ties with private careers, have remained silent amid the growing scrutiny surrounding their father.
