Sarah Ferguson’s failure to publicly acknowledge the birth of Princess Eugenie’s daughter has prompted questions over whether the latest scandals surrounding the former Duchess of York and her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, have placed strain on her relationship with her royal daughters.
Ferguson has traditionally been a prominent and affectionate presence in the lives of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, frequently celebrating their milestones and those of her grandchildren. Her apparent silence since Eugenie welcomed her third child has therefore attracted particular attention.
Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, announced the safe arrival of their daughter on 3 August at a hospital in Lisbon. The baby, who weighed 6lb 9oz, was later named Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank.
The couple said the name was chosen in tribute to three people they love and admire, while also reflecting their links to Britain and Portugal. Adelaide joins the couple’s sons, August, five, and Ernest, three.
The wider royal family publicly welcomed the news, while Eugenie shared photographs of her daughter on social media. Ferguson, however, has not made a comparable public post or statement, despite her well-known role as a hands-on grandmother.
Sarah Ferguson and her daughters’ relationship under scrutiny
The absence is notable because Ferguson, Beatrice and Eugenie have long presented themselves as a close family unit, sometimes referring to the trio as “The Tripod”. Beatrice has two daughters, Sienna and Athena, as well as a stepson, Christopher Woolf, with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Royal commentator Angela Mollard has suggested that the princesses may now be reassessing how closely they can remain aligned with their parents while protecting their own positions and families.
Beatrice and Eugenie have not publicly commented on their father’s continuing controversy. Their discretion is likely to be encouraged as the royal family seeks to distance itself from the allegations and scandals surrounding him.
The sisters have nevertheless retained their royal titles and continue to be included at major royal occasions. King Charles has also maintained what is understood to be a supportive relationship with his nieces, despite the difficulties caused by their parents.
Andrew, who was formerly known as the Duke of York and Prince Andrew, has faced renewed scrutiny over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released by the US Department of Justice have also shed further light on Ferguson’s past association with the convicted sex offender, including contact involving her daughters.
Sky News reported that the files indicate Ferguson and the princesses visited Epstein in Miami shortly after his release from prison in 2009, although the appearance of a person’s name in the documents does not, in itself, imply wrongdoing.
Ferguson and Andrew divorced in 1996 but continued to live together for years. Their departure from Royal Lodge followed the decision to remove Andrew’s titles and royal status, leaving Beatrice and Eugenie to navigate their continued family loyalties while remaining connected to the institution their father has been forced to leave.
