Prince Charles' annual pre-Christmas lunch on Thursday, December 19, was a hot topic as many members of the royal family were absent, including Prince William, Princess Kate and their children. Also absent was Prince Andrew, while daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie represented the York family amid their father's latest scandal.

Princess Eugenie was photographed driving with husband Jack Brooksbank to Buckingham Palace on Thursday, where the royal wore a black coat and the same Sophie Ris diamond star earrings that Meghan Markle has. Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice was separated from her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, in a black coat with a navy ruffled collar visible underneath.

The sisters were joined at the event by roughly 70 members of the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Duchess Sophie, Prince Edward, and a host of cousins. Their mother, Sarah Ferguson, was reportedly instrumental in convincing the Duke of York to miss the Christmas luncheon.

According to multiple reports, Prince Andrew was scheduled to attend the festive party until earlier this week, but chose to stay at the Royal Lodge. The Duke was friends and business associates with Jango Tembo, an alleged Chinese spy who was part of Prince Andrew's entrepreneurial initiative, Pitch@Palace.

Prince Andrew and Ferguson also cancelled their attendance at the royal family Christmas gathering in Sandringham, and the daughters will spend Christmas with their respective in-laws. However, one royal expert suggested that Andrew and Fergie will likely attend the Christmas celebration with at least one of their daughters.

“Somehow, I think Fergie and Andrew will be with Beatrice, Ed, and the children at either the Royal Lodge or the in-laws,” Ingrid Sward, editor in chief of Majesty magazine, told The Telegraph, adding that Beatrice is “very close, so she will want to support her father and be with him at this time,” she added.

Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children made an early getaway to Norfolk, choosing to spend a quiet day at their country home, Anmer Hall, before the busy royal Christmas period.