The British royal family will not host the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson (Fergie), at Sandringham for Christmas 2025. The decision comes after a 2011 email from Fergie to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein was leaked. In the email, Fergie called Epstein a “loyal, generous and wonderful friend” and apologized for publicly cutting ties with him earlier. Although Fergie explained that she wrote the email under legal pressure from Epstein, the move has led to her being cut off from several charities, including the Breast Cancer Foundation, Natasha Allergy Foundation and the Children’s Literacy Foundation.
AP News
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew is also facing criticism over his ties to Epstein. Recently, documents were released showing his name appearing in Epstein’s flight logs, showing that he flew on Epstein’s private jet at least twice in 2000 and 2002. Although Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing, the documents have raised concerns about his relationship with Epstein.
Although King Charles III cannot banish his brother from the family, he has asked Prince Andrew and Fergie to keep a low profile and avoid public appearances at future royal events. A source said: “You can’t fire someone who is your brother. But this year, if the Duke and Duchess can behave as they did last year, that would be for the best and the family won’t be disappointed, at least to avoid the Emperor having to make more difficult decisions.”
The Sun
Fergie was previously invited to attend Christmas at Sandringham in 2023, marking the first time she has been invited in three decades. However, given the recent scandals, she and Prince Andrew will not be attending this year’s festivities. They are expected to spend time at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where they still live together after their divorce.
The decision reflects a shift in how the British royal family handles members who engage in controversial behaviour, especially when it comes to serious legal and ethical issues.
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