Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are reportedly “fuming” over the treatment their father, Prince Andrew, has received from the Royal Family. The sisters are also said to be torn over how to navigate their unofficial roles within the Firm.
According to a well-placed source, the York sisters are rallying around their father as he faces the threat of eviction from his beloved Royal Lodge if he is unable to manage the property’s costly maintenance.
“Beatrice and Eugenie are rallying around to help support their father,” said the source. “Royal Lodge is viewed as a York family problem, not just an Andrew problem and the whole family are chipping in – that includes Sarah, Beatrice and Eugenie.”
Although they are not working royals, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are often expected to represent their family and support the monarchy in public.
This expectation places the sisters in an increasingly delicate position as they navigate family loyalty, royal obligations, and their personal lives.
Over the past few months, the source says the sisters have convened several family meetings to discuss the best way forward, feeling as though they have been pushed to the fringes of royal life.
“The York family have held several meetings and drawn up a battle plan,” said the source. “They will not allow their family to fall or come up against any more negative press.
“It’s very much a charge led by Beatrice. She’s extremely loyal and has taken the reins.”
Princess Beatrice, 36, has assumed an unofficial role as a defender of the York family’s legacy in recent months.
Just last week, Beatrice was seen networking at the highest level in the Middle East, as questions about her father’s finances persist.
Prince Andrew, 64, was once the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. “There are great contacts built up over the years that are still being utilised,” said the source.
The source added that Beatrice has been working to secure her father’s interests, including protecting Royal Lodge, which has been at the centre of controversy amid reports that King Charles would prefer Prince Andrew to vacate the property.
Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie, 34, faces a unique challenge. She maintains a close bond with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have distanced themselves from the Royal Family, while trying to preserve harmony with the Firm. This balancing act underscores the complexities of the York family’s relationship with the monarchy.
“Beatrice and Eugenie always feel like they’re walking a fine line,” said the source. “It’s a difficult balancing act to manage because they want to support the Royal Family despite not being working royals.
“The girls also want to forge their own lives and relationships with friends and family without feeling like they’re under some sort of control.”
Despite feeling isolated, the York sisters have received an invitation to join the royal gathering at Sandringham this Christmas.
“There is a feeling that the Royal Family likes to use them (Beatrice and Eugenie) to portray a sense of unity to the public but it’s a different story behind the scenes,” said the source.
“It’s a constant push and pull scenario for them which is becoming more and more difficult as time goes on.”
