The truth behind Sarah Ferguson’s shocking rift with her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, lies in the fallout from the ongoing scandals engulfing their family amid Prince Andrew and Sarah's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Once famously close and referred to as the “tripod” for their strong mother-daughter bond, their relationship has reportedly deteriorated significantly.
While Sarah Ferguson had managed to stay mostly out of public scrutiny related to the Epstein controversy, the release of her 2011 correspondence referring to Epstein as a “supreme friend” severely damaged her reputation and strained family ties. Both Beatrice and Eugenie are said to be more disappointed in their mother now than in their father. A family insider shared that the princesses are deeply concerned about Sarah’s mental health, but the disillusionment with her actions has caused them to lose some trust.
Despite the tension, Beatrice and Eugenie retain their royal titles and places in the line of succession as they are daughters of a sovereign’s son, Prince Andrew. Their official roles and titles have not changed, but their public distancing from their mother’s controversies is palpable. The sisters have been noted stepping away from the UK amid the family scandal, with recent trips to Saudi Arabia and Paris creating further speculation.
Previously, Sarah faced public backlash, including a 2010 hidden-camera scandal where she was seen attempting to sell access to Prince Andrew, which Andrew himself helped resolve. Throughout these challenges, Beatrice and Eugenie have stood by their mother privately, voicing admiration for her resilience and kindness despite difficult times.