Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie reportedly will not ride in the traditional carriage procession at Royal Ascot this year, a moment that has long been viewed as a public signal of royal favor. According to royal observers, the decision reflects the influence of Prince William, who is said to support creating greater distance between working members of the monarchy and the branch of the family connected to Prince Andrew following the long-running controversy involving Jeffrey Epstein.
Reports suggest that King Charles III has taken a somewhat softer position, believing Andrew’s daughters should not necessarily face consequences for the scandals surrounding their father. However, renewed attention to Epstein-related documents has again placed the York family under scrutiny, prompting fresh discussions about how closely they should remain associated with official royal events.
The situation also raises broader questions about the future structure of the monarchy. Beatrice and Eugenie hold royal titles but are not working members of the royal family, and their roles have been debated in recent years—especially following tensions involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Observers say William favors a streamlined monarchy with a smaller inner circle, and the absence of the York sisters from the Ascot carriage procession may signal that vision gradually taking shape.