Andrew and Sarah Ferguson excluded from royals' Easter service amid Epstein files scandal

The Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, have been excluded from this year’s royal Easter celebrations, a notable shift after they attended the festivities in 2025.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that the couple will not be present at the Easter Sunday service at St. George’s Chapel this year. The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by the royal household to streamline official engagements and reduce participation by extended family members whose roles have become less central.

Andrew and Ferguson did attend last year’s Easter service, though their participation was seen by some observers as an exception rather than a return to regular public royal duties.

This time, palace officials indicated that official guest lists for major services, including Easter, are being kept more tightly focused on the core working members of the family.

It also doesn't help that the former prince's name came up in the Epstein files and that he knew Jeffrey Epstein for years. Ferguson even emailed Epstein to give hire her.

The decision reflects broader changes within the monarchy following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III’s re‑shaping of the royal calendar. As part of that more pared‑down approach, certain events are now being limited to those who carry out full‑time official duties on behalf of the crown.

Sources say the Yorks were informed privately of the decision, and that it was not meant as a personal rebuke but rather an administrative choice based on available roles and priorities for the service.

Last year’s attendance, which marked one of Andrew’s few recent public appearances with the family, drew mixed reaction, given controversies that have surrounded him in recent years. His exclusion from this year’s service underscores how his and Ferguson’s roles within the institution continue to evolve.

Royal watchers note that while Andrew and Ferguson may participate in other family Easter traditions, they will not be part of the formal Easter Sunday service with King Charles III and senior royals this year.