Princess Eugenie faces a tricky festive dilemma after receiving an invitation from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to join them in Montecito, California, over the Christmas holidays.
However, the 34-year-old princess and her family – husband Jack Brooksbank, 38, and their two children August, 3, and Ernest, 1 – have also been invited to the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.
According to a well-placed source, Princess Eugenie is currently exploring ways to balance both invitations.
“Harry and Meghan have invited Eugenie and Jack to join them in California during the holidays,” the source revealed. “It’s a very difficult position for Eugenie because she has also been invited to Sandringham.”
The source added that the family is considering spending time in the US closer to New Year so that the children can spend time with their cousins, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
“It would be so nice for the children to spend time with their cousins,” said the source. “The diary is very tight over the holidays but there might be a slot free around New Years’ time for everyone to come together at some point.”
Princess Eugenie and her family were notably absent from Princess Kate’s Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey last week, fuelling speculation about her relationship with senior members of the Royal Family.
It was previously reported that Eugenie and her sister Princess Beatrice, 36, were unhappy with the treatment their father, Prince Andrew, had received from the Royal Family over his property, Royal Lodge.
The York sisters are also said to be torn over how to navigate their unofficial roles within the Firm. Princess Eugenie, in particular, is said to be in two minds over how to play her close relationship with her cousin Prince Harry.
Princess Eugenie’s relationship with the Sussexes has drawn significant attention lately, particularly following revelations that Harry and Meghan purchased a property in Europe near Eugenie’s holiday retreat in Portugal.
While the move could help bridge what sources describe as a “drift” between Eugenie and Harry in recent years, it also highlights her delicate position within the Royal Family.
“Eugenie is in a difficult position because she’s always been close to Harry, but she is mindful of how that relationship could affect her standing with the rest of her family,” the source explained. “She is always trying to manage a difficult balancing act which can become quite tiresome at times.”
The York family, eager to maintain positive relations with senior royals following recent controversies, are said to be treading carefully. “Eugenie doesn’t want to jeopardise the family’s renewed goodwill efforts,” the source added.
The source concludes that despite Eugenie’s eagerness to maintain good relations with her family in the UK, she’s also keen to build a stronger relationship with her cousin abroad.
“Eugenie and Harry were at one point almost inseparable,” said the source. “They have maintained a bond in recent years and are keen for their children to share a close family connection as they grow up.”
The Sussexes have been approached for comment.
