Prince ‘joins ski trip via video calls’
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PRINCE Andrew joined his family via Skype after he was forced to pull out of their ski trip because of his US civil case over sex allegations, a source claims.
He was said to have had daily video calls with his “very upset” daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, and his grandkids.
The webcam chats were the only way the Duke could bridge the 600-mile gap with his family as they holidayed in luxurious Verbier, Switzerland.
He had been due to fly out with the group, including ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, 62, sons-in-law Edo Mapelli Mozzi, 38, and Jack Brooksbank, 35, plus grandchildren August, 10 months, and Sienna, three months.
Inappropriate
But he stayed behind after his latest court hearing against accuser Virginia Giuffre was set for this week – and his team advised him it would be “inappropriate” to be seen on holiday so soon after former pal Ghislaine Maxwell was jailed on sex abuse charges.
A source told the People: “Beatrice and Eugenie were both very upset because they were hoping their children would be able to spend their first skiing holiday with their grandad. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, but they did hold Skype calls with him nearly every day.”
The group stayed at the family’s £17million Swiss chalet, which it is understood Andrew, who denies all allegations against him, is now trying to sell as he faces spiralling legal bills.
Beatrice, 33, and Eugenie, 31, put aside the strain to enjoy the two-week break before flying home on Friday.
Our source added: “Beatrice and Eugenie don’t believe their father deserves what is happening to him.”