Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Princess Beatrice's Emotional Escape: High Society Wedding Amid Epstein Scandal

The King's niece (left) was among guests at the wedding of her long-time confidant James Green, 37, (centre) and James Hirschfeld, 39, (right) the American co-founder of digital invitations company Paperless Post, in Long Island, New York

PRINCESS BEATRICE ESCAPES TO NEW YORK AS ROYAL FAMILY CRISIS DEEPENS

In a daring move, Princess Beatrice fled to New York last weekend to celebrate her close friend James Green's wedding, just as her family was embroiled in one of the most explosive scandals in royal history. The 37-year-old princess was beaming with joy as she sat alongside the grooms at the intimate ceremony on Long Island, surrounded by an A-list guest list that included Kate Moss's ex-boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck and Sir Rocco Forte's daughter Lydia Forte.

But behind the scenes, Beatrice's family is reeling from a devastating blow. A leaked email sent by her mother, Sarah Ferguson (or Fergie), to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has sparked outrage and led at least eight UK charities to drop her as a patron. The 2011 email appears to apologize for her previous criticism of Epstein and refers to him as her "supreme friend." The revelation has left the royal family facing one of its most serious reputational crises in recent memory.

The reception took place in the garden of the couple's private home, where guests dined inside a large garden marquee with tables decorated ornately with flowers and candles. Guests shared snaps from the scenes

Beatrice, who is known for her impeccable style, wore a sparkling black dress with her hair down, looking every inch the happy bride. But insiders claim that beneath the surface, she's deeply upset and ashamed by the continuing scandal. "Beatrice is going through a lot right now," a source revealed. "It's a very hard time for her, but she was determined to be there for her friend."

The royal family is no stranger to controversy, but this latest development has sent shockwaves through the monarchy. Prince Andrew, Beatrice's father, has been linked to Epstein through newly released documents, which include details of a trip they took together in 2000 while on an official visit for the NSPCC.

Fergie, who was married to Andrew for 10 years until their divorce in 1996, is said to be lying low at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where she still shares a home with her ex-husband. "This time she's probably going to have to do what she's never done before and lie low for quite a while," biographer Ingrid Seward warned.

Italian artist Malu dalla Piccola, who recently wed Greek shipping heir Nicolas Niarchos - son of British fashion muse Daphne Guinness - also shared details of her dish at the nuptials, which featured Porcini Mushroom Risotto, Branzino al Cartoccio, and Raspberry Pavlova

The fallout from the email leak has been swift and severe. The British Heart Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Julia's House are just a few of the charities that have dropped Fergie as a patron in response to her association with Epstein.

But Beatrice is refusing to let the scandal define her. Sources close to the princess claim she wants to be a working royal and is eager to take on new projects for her uncle, King Charles. "Beatrice does want to be a working Royal," an insider revealed. "She wants to do Royal events to help her uncle because she'd enjoy them and she would be good at the job."

However, with Prince Andrew's reputation in tatters, it remains to be seen whether Beatrice will be able to distance herself from his troubles. The King has distanced himself from both Andrew and Fergie, with royal commentators warning that the York brand has become "toxic."

Guests could choose between a white wine, Fattoria Sardi Bernardino Colline Lucchesi 2022, and the red, Livio Sassetti Livio Pertimali Chianti Classico 2022

As the scandal continues to unfold, Beatrice is said to be focusing on her family and career. She works in finance and divides her time between London and Oxfordshire with her husband, property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their two children, Sienna and Athena.

But will she be able to escape the shadow of her parents' scandals? Only time will tell. As one royal insider observed, "The King has a soft spot for Beatrice, but the shadow cast by her parents means she's unlikely to be involved in any new royal projects for some time."

ANDREW'S DESPERATE ATTEMPTS TO RECLAIM HIS ROYAL STATUS

Green made a speech

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew is making desperate attempts to reclaim his royal status. Sources close to the Duke of York claim he's been trying to exert influence over Beatrice, who could be a key player in his comeback bid.

But with the King's courtiers firmly opposed to Andrew's plans, it seems unlikely that he'll succeed in getting back into favor. "Andrew could try to 'get in via the back door' by exerting influence over her," an insider warned.

As the royal family navigates this treacherous terrain, one thing is clear: Beatrice will have to navigate the minefield of her parents' scandals carefully if she wants to emerge unscathed. But with her reputation and future as a working royal at stake, can she really afford to take on the challenges that lie ahead?

Beatrice and Green were first photographed together in 2004 at the Queens Club in London as they watched the semi-final matches at the Stella Artois Tennis Championships. They have remained part of the same London and New York social set ever since

Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – the York family's troubles are far from over.