What's happened
Several members of the British royal family are skipping this year's Christmas celebrations amid ongoing controversies. Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will not attend for a second year, while Princess Beatrice and Eugenie are spending the holiday abroad. The royal family remains large, but attendance is affected by recent scandals and personal choices. Meanwhile, the Sussex family shared a festive photo from their Montecito home, and William and Kate released their annual Christmas card showing their children. The stories reflect a mix of tradition, controversy, and family dynamics during the holiday season.
What's behind the headline?
The royal family’s holiday season this year underscores ongoing divisions and controversies. Prince Andrew’s exclusion from Sandringham, confirmed by the release of a new family photo showing him moving to Norfolk, highlights the lasting impact of his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The image of Andrew at Sandringham, taken in 2000, and the recent move to Norfolk, signal a significant shift in his royal status and public perception. Meanwhile, the absence of Harry and Meghan from the traditional Christmas gathering continues a pattern of distancing from the royal institution, though their family remains active in public and charitable activities, as seen in their holiday photo. The release of William and Kate’s Christmas card, featuring their children, emphasizes the importance of family continuity and tradition amidst the scandals. Overall, these developments reveal a royal family navigating personal controversies while maintaining public traditions, with the potential for further internal shifts and public perception changes in the coming months.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on Prince Andrew’s exclusion from Sandringham and his move to Norfolk, emphasizing the long-term fallout from his Epstein connections. Sky News provides insight into the historical context of Andrew’s relationships with Epstein and Maxwell, highlighting the private access they enjoyed at royal residences. The NY Post covers the Sussex family’s holiday greeting, illustrating their continued presence in the public eye and their efforts to share family moments. The same source also details William and Kate’s Christmas card, reinforcing the theme of family continuity. Contrasting opinions include The Independent’s focus on the fallout and Andrew’s distancing from the royal family, versus the NY Post’s emphasis on the Sussex family’s private life and public image. Overall, the coverage reflects a royal family balancing tradition with ongoing scandals, with different outlets highlighting various aspects of their holiday season.
How we got here
The British royal family’s Christmas celebrations are a longstanding tradition, often marked by official photos and gatherings at Sandringham. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of royal members’ personal lives, especially Prince Andrew’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, which led to his exclusion from the royal duties and Christmas at Sandringham. The family’s holiday plans are now influenced by these controversies, with some members choosing to spend the holiday abroad or elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Sussex family’s public holiday greeting reflects their ongoing efforts to maintain a family image outside the traditional royal setting.
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