Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice to Skip Royal Family’s Easter Traditions

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will miss the royal family’s Easter service this year, breaking from recent appearances. The change comes as King Charles III continues to manage the monarchy’s public image amid renewed scrutiny.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will not join the royal family for its annual Easter service in 2026. The sisters, daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are expected to sit out the gathering at Windsor, as they reportedly made other plans.

The decision marks a change from recent family events, where both had been present. They attended Christmas celebrations with the royals and are still expected to appear at future occasions.

Easter Service to Proceed With Senior Royals

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to attend the Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel on April 5, 2026. Prince William and Princess Catherine are also expected to be there after missing last year’s event.

The service remains one of the royal calendar’s most visible traditions. Senior members typically arrive together and greet the public before attending church.

While the core group will still be present, the absence of Beatrice and Eugenie shifts the usual lineup.

Timing Follows Renewed Scrutiny

The update comes weeks after Prince Andrew was taken into police custody on February 19, 2026. He was held on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Although Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, have not been accused of wrongdoing, attention has returned to their family. The situation has placed them under renewed public focus, and their decision to shy away from the Easter gathering might just be related to such focus.

A Focus on a Streamlined Monarchy

Brand and culture expert Nick Ede said the move may reflect a calculated decision. "It’s more a case of strategic distancing. He’s protecting the monarchy's core brand at a time when it needs to feel streamlined and scandal-free. I am sure it pains him as he loves his family, and they have been caught in the line of fire," he said.

King Charles has continued efforts to keep the monarchy focused on a smaller group of senior working royals. Public appearances often reflect that approach. Decisions around major events, including Easter, can signal how the institution is responding to outside pressure.

This year’s Easter service will go ahead with key members of the royal family in attendance. Still, the absence of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie stands out. After all, as the monarchy navigates scrutiny, even small changes to long-standing traditions can draw attention.