Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice drop out of London's 'Met Gala' as Prince Andrew loses royal titles

On Saturday night, high society descended onto the British Museum for the institution's inaugural Pink Ball, which aims to rival the Met Gala. Despite having a star-studded line-up including the likes of Naomi Campbell, Lady Kitty Spencer and Janet Jackson, there were two major no-shows for the event, Princess Beatrice and her younger sister, Princess Eugenie. Although the pair hadn't publicised their attendance, HELLO! understood that both princesses were both on the guest list for the British Museum's inaugural ball.

There's been no confirmation as to why the royals didn't attend the event, it came in the wake of their father, Prince Andrew's, decision to give up his royal titles. Although their father, who remains eighth in line to the throne, has given up his royal titles, the change hasn't impacted either princess, as they're able to keep their titles due to being princesses at birth. One person who has been affected by the change is the pair's mother, Sarah Ferguson, who has lost the title of Duchess of York.

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Friday, Andrew said: "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.

"I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life. With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."

What is the Pink Ball?

The Pink Ball is the first in a series of events hosted by the British Museum, which aims to rival the Met Gala. For its first year, the theme of pink was selected to pay homage to the museum's ongoing exhibition, Ancient India: Living Traditions. Speaking of the theme, museum director Nicholas Cullinan explained: "It has to be this pink that almost has a bit of purple. It can't be too blush, or too garish. It can't be Barbie pink. It's got to be right."

Inspiration for the event wasn't just in the colour scheme, as the event was co-hosted by Indian philanthropist Isha Ambani, the daughter of the country's richest man, and guests were treated to an Indian meal. Also in attendance at the event were Lady Kitty Spencer, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Maya Jama, James Norton and Luke Evans. Scroll down for some of the glam stars on the 'pink carpet'.