Princess Beatrice celebrates 38th birthday with ‘low-key celebrations’

This year, however, Beatrice is “keeping a low profile,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News, adding: “I would have thought there would be no change.”

He described the current moment as “a very sensitive time” for Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie, noting that “their parents are in public disgrace” and that, as royals who carry out no official duties, “it is a time to approach things with great care.”

According to The Sun, the birthday plans are so low-key this year that even parents Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, embroiled in controversy linking them to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, will not attend any celebrations.

Both Mr Mountbatten-Windsor and Ms Ferguson have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

“Don’t expect any big celebrations today. It is going to be a remarkably low-key, almost gloomy birthday this year,” an insider told the outlet.

“In the past, Beatrice loved a grand celebration. She was the life and soul of the party. But how can you celebrate when your family name is dragged through the mud on a daily basis?

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“She has been deeply distressed at times. There will be no fanfare, just a small gathering including her devoted husband Edoardo and the children. It’s a deeply sad state of affairs.”

Another source said that both her parents being absent for the celebrations would be “a bitter pill to swallow”.

Ms Ferguson has instead travelled to Portugal, according to The Mail, where Eugenie has just given birth to her third child.

For Beatrice, the new arrival holds particular significance; it marks the first time she has become an aunt to a niece. Both aunt and newborn share the same birth month and fall under the Leo star sign.

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The sisters have largely retreated into seclusion this year, as the fallout from their father’s ongoing difficulties continues to cast a shadow – though their relationship has not strained; rather strengthened, with an insider describing Eugenie as Beatrice’s “rock”.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was booted from his Windsor residence earlier this year, relocating to the Sandringham estate, and later earned widespread criticism over his so-called peppercorn rent arrangement.

Beatrice and Eugenie were implicated in the revelations, as they were found to be paying no rent on their lavish London properties – instead coming from the King’s private funds – despite not being working royals.

The princesses, both granddaughters of the late Queen Elizabeth II, were notably absent from the royal family’s traditional Easter Sunday service.

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King Charles is understood to have consented to their non-attendance given the intense scrutiny surrounding their father, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office earlier this year. He was later released under investigation.

Despite the pressures of the past year, Beatrice and Edoardo have presented a firmly united front.

Amid rumours of marital difficulties, during a rare question-and-answer meeting, Edoardo defiantly stated his “biggest luxury” was his family, adding that relaxation comes down to “time with family and friends.”

The couple also made a joint appearance in July at the wedding of Harriet and Peter Phillips, mingling with senior royals.

They later posted a selfie together while on holiday in Greece, enjoying a summer escape on the continent that appeared to put any lingering gossip firmly to rest.