Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will not join the royal family for the Easter church service this Sunday.

With the agreement of the King, Beatrice and Eugenie have made alternative plans and will miss the traditional royal gathering at Windsor Castle, the Press Association understands.

The decision comes after the former Duke of York’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and the scandal surrounding his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Beatrice and Eugenie, who are the King’s nieces, joined the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham in December.

It is understood they will be at family celebrations in the future.

The King, the Queen and other members of the family are set to attend the Easter Matins church service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, as they traditionally do each year.