Beatrice and Eugenie receive reassurance despite ongoing tensions with their parents
Prince William’s long-standing dislike for his uncle Andrew has been no secret, and it became particularly noticeable during the funeral of the Duchess of Kent earlier this month. Over the past year, the York family has faced increasing turmoil, fuelled by Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson. The situation worsened after the leaking of a grovelling email Ferguson once sent to her disgraced associate Jeffrey Epstein.
The King has reportedly instructed the Duke and Duchess of York to remain “invisible” during the royal family’s Christmas gathering. However, this restriction does not extend to their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie.
William is said to support his father’s stance that Andrew poses a “risk” and “threat” to the monarchy, particularly in public settings. Yet he is also believed to be sympathetic to his cousins’ position. Royal author Phil Dampier explained to the Daily Mail that William values his relationship with the sisters and does not wish to see them penalised for their parents’ actions.
“They may feel it would be unfair of them to go when their parents aren’t there and it simply rubs salt in their wounds,” Dampier noted, adding that the King himself has a soft spot for both young women and regrets the difficult position they are in.
Whether Beatrice and Eugenie will take part in the family’s Christmas gathering remains uncertain. As Dampier observed, the situation is “very difficult” for them and a dilemma that the King would prefer not to face.
