Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson are in "survival mode" after the extent of their friendships with Jeffrey Epstein were exposed in the Epstein files! The pair has long denied any wrongdoing when it comes to the felon, but they'd previously argued that they'd cut ties with him after his 2008 conviction. Only, now thanks to the recent releases, we know that's not true! They'd been very chummy with him after that - Fergie even begged Epstein to "marry" her and hire her! Plus, she brought her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, along for visits with him. It's all been rather shocking and icky, and not at all good for the royal family. Historian Gareth Russell didn't mince words when explaining how serious Andrew's recent arrest is, saying: "Without question, this is the biggest royal scandal in the last century. They were all blindsided. No one was advised of his arrest ahead of time." Related: 'Frustrated' Prince William & Princess Catherine's Biggest Concern After Andrew's Arrest! King Charles III has reportedly not spoken to Andrew since the legal trouble, though he released a statement in support of the investigation. A source told the outlet there's no going back for Andrew and Sarah - their reputations will forever be damaged by this. One said they're "very much in survival mode," adding: "There's no real return to royal life." Royal expert Christopher Andersen noted: "The monarchy depends on the trust, goodwill and affection of the British people. The Epstein case, and in particular Andrew's involvement in it, has really stretched that bond to the breaking point." This scandal doesn't just affect the exes, though. Their own daughters could be pushed out of the royal family! While Charles has not distanced himself from Beatrice and Eugenie, per royal expert Kristen Meinzer, David E. Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision PR and an expert in crisis communications, thinks it's only a matter of time until they have their titles stripped. Ouch. Meinzer added of Sarah involving the kids: "Fergie's always been a messy royal, but a lot of that was fun, sexy, unfiltered or just plain stupid. It never involved her daughters. This feels different." The sisters are now left feeling "horrified, devastated and in a state of total shock" after the arrest, the first source noted, with a second adding that their relationship with their father has been "deeply changed" by his 2019 BBC interview, though Beatrice always had a strained dynamic with him. The second insider pointed out: "Beatrice is mortified. It's really affected her life. She's hounded in the U.K." Meanwhile, their mother's "language" in her emails to Epstein "made them feel exposed," and they're now "very united" and supportive of each other, the first source shared. Even before the arrest, they'd started to put boundaries up with their parents: "[The latest release of Epstein files was] the last straw for them. They don't want to be associated with the scandal. They don't spend a lot of time with Fergie and Andrew." Jeez. They did, however, keep "their distance publicly" over Christmas by spending time with the royals at Sandringham rather than their parents at Royal Lodge, something that was telling to Meinzer. It certainly doesn't help that through this crisis, the disgraced royals have been acting "defensive, not reflective," the first source said: "They have a lot of shared resentment toward the media rather than any deep inward reckoning. Privately, there is regret, but it's rarely said out loud." Sarah is hoping to start a new life elsewhere after spending time at a ritzy wellness center, as her job prospects are likely drying up. The source claimed that companies like Netflix are not returning her calls, despite once being interested in working with the author. On the other hand, the former Duke of York is likely just sad his momma Queen Elizabeth II isn't here to help anymore. Andersen explained: "I'm sure Andrew is thinking, If only Mummy was still alive. [She] did everything she could to shield her favorite son. Andrew, in particular, has always had a sense of entitlement that was extreme even in royal circles. You got the sense he felt he could get away with anything - and he could, as long as he could run to the late queen for protection." But not anymore! Johnson agreed: "There is no return whatsoever for either Sarah or Andrew, even if they're not formally charged." As family and friends turn their backs on them, they're leaning on each other, the first source acknowledged: "They are miserable, and misery loves company." Damn. Messy AF! But as all the allegations come out, it's not hard to see why the royal family has had enough! We're mostly sorry this is having such a negative impact on their girls. Thoughts? Let us know (below)! [Image via Florida Department Of Law Enforcement & MEGA/John Rainford/WENN] The post 'Defensive' Andrew & Sarah Ferguson 'In Survival Mode' Amid Epstein Scandal -- And It's Destroying Relationship With