Beatrice Breaks Her Silence

Princess Beatrice made a low-key public appearance in London late last month, stepping out of Birley Bakery in Chelsea with a takeaway coffee and her car key fob in hand. The royal was accompanied by her husband, property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, along with friends — art curator Carrie Scott and her partner Nick Lazarus — in what marked her first sighting since the arrest of her father, Prince Andrew.

The moment comes during a period of renewed scrutiny for Beatrice and her younger sister, Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew — born Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office following fresh attention on emails connected to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

While neither Beatrice, 37, nor Eugenie, 35, holds official royal duties, both have traditionally appeared at key royal occasions, including carriage processions at Royal Ascot and garden parties at Buckingham Palace. They also reside in grace-and-favour homes within the royal estate. Their continued presence at such events is now being closely watched by royal commentators.

Recent public sightings suggest the sisters are maintaining their usual routines. Eugenie was photographed days earlier having coffee near Portobello Road with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, during a visit to Hagen Espresso.

However, observers believe the controversy surrounding their father could affect their visibility at upcoming royal events. Royal commentator Phil Dampier said the situation has altered public perceptions, noting: “I think they have been tarnished.”

Attention is now turning to the Cheltenham Festival this week, where Princess Eugenie has attended in recent years and Princess Beatrice has previously appeared in the Royal Box. Their presence — or absence — could signal how their public roles will be handled.

The sisters may also attend the Easter service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Sunday 5 April, where they appeared in 2025 with their husbands and parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Buckingham Palace has not confirmed whether they will attend Royal Ascot this year. Meanwhile, attention has also returned to Prince Andrew’s controversial BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, which producer Sam McAlister said Princess Beatrice helped facilitate.