This Christmas, the British royal family will experience yet another absence as two prominent members are set to miss the festivities.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, the beloved daughters of Prince Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson, have made the decision not to attend the family gathering at King Charles III’s historic Sandringham estate this holiday season, as reported by various news outlets. This choice highlights the evolving dynamics within the royal family, as both princesses prioritize their family commitments and personal lives during this festive period.

Instead of joining their royal relatives, Eugenie, who is happily married to Jack Brooksbank, along with Beatrice, whose husband is Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, are expected to celebrate Christmas with their respective in-laws. This marks a significant moment, as it will only be the second time in ten years that they have opted out of the traditional family gathering, indicating a shift in how family ties are being navigated during the holidays.

In a related development, the Duke and Duchess of York will also be absent from this year’s royal festivities, having reportedly declined an invitation from the King. They plan to spend the day at Royal Lodge instead. This decision comes in light of Prince Andrew’s recent controversies, particularly regarding his alleged connections to a suspected Chinese spy, which have intensified scrutiny surrounding him.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, who last participated in the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham back in 2018. With ongoing tensions between Harry and his father, as well as his brother Prince William, it remains uncertain how they will spend this holiday season. Their absence or presence could further impact the already complex relationships within the royal family.