Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Banned From Royal Ascot Amid Epstein Fallout: ‘Blindsided’

Two familiar faces will be missing from the Royal Box at the high profile Royal Ascot horse race in June. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie “have been told they can’t be there this year,” a source revealed to the Daily Mail.

The decision comes after their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office stemming from his friendship with registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And according to the Mail, concerns remain about the sisters’ own ties to Epstein, namely their financial ones.

In light of this, their cousin Prince William has reportedly advised other royal family members not to be seen with the girls.

“Ascot would be out of the question because the royals have been told they can’t have pictures with the girls for the rest of the year,” said a source. Presumably, this will mean Eugenie, 35, and Beatrice, 37, will be barred from other royal events as well.

“Beatrice has taken it the hardest. She’s been completely blindsided by all of this,” a source told the Mail.

The paper reports that their other cousin Prince Harry has reached out to show his support during their time of need. “Harry has communicated with the girls, saying something along the lines of, ‘He knows what it’s like to be at the wrong end of the institution,’” said a source, who noted that he extended them an invite to the Montecito, California home he shares with Meghan Markle.  “He’s said there’s an open invite, especially for Beatrice, if she ever wants one.”