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Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are "blindsided" after being "banned from attending Royal Ascot", sources have claimed. The daughters of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, who have been banished into exile after their humiliating links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, are said to be "bitterly disappointed" after being told they would not be welcome this summer at the famous racecourse in Berkshire.

Beatrice and Eugenie have traditionally attended the races regularly, alongside other members of the Royal Family. One royal source told the Daily Mail: "The York girls have been informed they can't be there this year."

Another source said: "'Ascot is out of the question. The royals have been told they can't be photographed with the girls for the rest of the year."

Friends close to the royal sisters said they have been "left drained" by the ban.

A source said: "They're deeply disappointed. They feel they're being punished for their parents' past actions, and that's very difficult to accept."

It comes as sources close to the Prince and Princess of Wales claimed the couple would not attend Ascot this year if it were attended by any other member of the York family.

People close to the princesses emphasised the impact the Epstein scandal has had on them, with one royal source saying: "'Beatrice has taken it the hardest, she's been completely blindsided by everything that's happened.

"Every new Epstein development feels like another blow. Just when they think things might finally settle down, something else emerges."

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The sisters are mentioned a number of times in the Epstein files due to their parents' links to the convicted sex offender.

Being mentioned in the Epstein files does not suggest or indicate any wrongdoing.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing and Fergie has publicly condemned Epstein.