Eugenie and Beatrice were both not in attendance

Princess Eugenie has issued clarification about why she and Princess Beatrice missed Princess Kate’s Together At Christmas Carol Service.

Taking to Instagram, the royal said: “Wish Bea and I could have been celebrating tonight with our family.

“Wishing @princeandprincessofwales such a special evening at her incredible carol service.

“What an amazing message of love and hope.”

Princess Eugenie issued clarification after missing Kate’s Christmas carol service. | PA

Princess Eugenie clarified why she and Princess Beatrice were absent. | INSTAGRAM / PRINCESSEUGENIE

The sisters were absent from the Together At Christmas Carol Service amid the fallout from their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s, downfall.

The Princess of Wales’s sister, Pippa Middleton, also missed the ceremony.

Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, have retained their royal titles despite their disgraced father, Andrew, being dramatically stripped of his last remaining honours last October.

The move followed the publication of his accuser, Virginia Giuffre’s, posthumous memoirs, and the US Government’s release of documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate.

Eugenie and Beatrice were not at the carol service.| PA

The former Duke of York has consistently denied any allegations surrounding him, and the Metropolitan Police previously considered that the sexual assault claims against Andrew were not sufficient to warrant further investigation.

Pippa Middleton’s absence comes as James Middleton and his parents attended the event.

The mother and father of the Princess of Wales, Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton, were seen entering alongside James and his wife, Alizee Thevenet.

Princess Kate was joined by Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Abbey this evening.

Princess Kate was joined by Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Westminster Abbey this evening.| GETTY

The Princess of Wales pushed forward this year’s event, which is backed by The Royal Foundation.

This year’s service centred on celebrating love in its many forms, from familial bonds and friendships to community spirit and acts of kindness between strangers.

Some 1,600 guests joined the event, including individuals from throughout the United Kingdom who have given their time to support others, launched community-building projects, or extended help to those in need.

There was a star-studded guest list at the show, including Lewis Moody and his family.

James Middleton attended the event with his wife, Alizee Thevenet, but there was no sign of his sister, Pippa. | REUTERS

The rugby star announced he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease in September.

Kensington Palace announced earlier in the week that the Prince and Princess of Wales sent Mr Moody a private letter alongside his invitation.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the former rugby player said: “It’s such a special time of year for us, so to be able to attend with family, to even be invited in the first place, it’s a real honour, and Mike Tindall had a part to play in that.”

Mike arrived with his wife Zara, being seen chatting away to singer Hannah Waddingham, who was forced to pull out of her scheduled performance this evening.