Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are facing a dilemma this festive season after being invited to Sandringham by their uncle, King Charles.
It is a Christmas Day tradition for the family to greet well-wishers as they make their way to St Mary Magdalene Church.
But their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been discouraged from joining the family at the Norfolk estate after being stripped of his royal title following fresh revelations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attending the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, 2022 (Image: Joe Giddens/ PA Wire)
Sources told The Mail on Sunday that the situation has become a logistical and emotional nightmare for the siblings.
Both women remain loyal to the King and to the institution, but they are equally devoted to their father and mother, Sarah Ferguson.
The source added that Beatrice is feeling particularly under pressure due to her increased options, including staying at her home in the Cotswolds, joining her wider family at Sandringham or spending it at Royal Lodge with her father before he has to leave.
Eugenie is reported to be less conflicted and will likely stay in her home in Portugal with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and two children.
The Royal Family at Sandringham last Christmas (Image: Aaron Chown/PA)
The former prince is due to move into a house on the Sandringham estate as soon as is practicable.
In a statement released in October, the Buckingham Palace said: “His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence.
“Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.
“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.”