Are Eugenie and Beatrice still Princesses after Andrew's arrest?

A composite of a picture of Beatrice and Eugenie together and a picture of Andrew — (Image credit: Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Anti Slavery Collective // Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Modern royal history was made today - for all the wrong reasons - as the King’s brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. In recent months Andrew has faced a torrent of allegations, headlines and calls to co-operate with any potential investigation concerning the Epstein files.

He has consistently and vehemently denied the accusations against him but the spotlight has been firmly on not only Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, but by association, their daughters Eugenie and Beatrice.

Princess Eugenie, Andrew and Princess Beatrice attend the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle

The answer is yes, they are. Andrew’s arrest hasn’t changed anything for his daughters on a royal level. King Charles announced in October he was stripping his brother of his prince title and prior to this, Andrew said he would stop using his Duke of York title - all notwithstanding that the royal was denying all allegations against him.

Although Eugenie and Beatrice’s ‘Princess of York’ titles derived from their father’s, theirs remained unaffected by both events. According to The Telegraph, King Charles apparently made it clear his nieces must be "protected" due to his "high affection" for them.

As the granddaughters of the late reigning monarch - Queen Elizabeth - via her son, they are entitled to be referred to as Princesses and this hasn’t ceased to be the case because of what’s happening with Andrew and his arrest. Keeping their titles, however, probably isn’t going to be of much comfort to Eugenie and Beatrice at the moment.

Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York attend a dinner hosted by Sofia Blunt to launch the Loci vegan sneaker in aid of Blue Marine Foundation on November 17, 2021

Already we’ve seen the York Princesses keeping a low profile in recent months and it said a lot that they made a rare exception to join the Royal Family at Sandringham House for Christmas. This sent a powerful message of unity with their uncle King Charles and wider family.

Members of the Royal Family, including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie leave church on Christmas Day 2025

The news of their father’s arrest shortly after his relocation to Norfolk - and on his 66th birthday - will be another blow for Beatrice and Eugenie on a personal level and I would expect them to process it privately. The Princesses might also choose to "withdraw socially" rather than throwing themselves into the busy spring/summer season like they normally would.

They are still titled, important family members but in practice, recent events will likely make them cautious and happier to avoid the spotlight.

"Now Beatrice and Eugenie have to rebuild their brand, away from that of their parents," writes Emily Andrews in Woman. "The support of the Prince and Princess of Wales - and the King (those Christmas invitations to Sandringham and the Buckingham Palace lunch were invaluable) - will be key."

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Emma is a Royal Editor with nine years of experience in publishing. She specialises in writing about the British Royal Family, covering everything from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her extensive royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!

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