Harry and Meghan Reportedly on ‘Different Pages’ About Beatrice and Eugenie Amid Andrew Drama
As the royal family grapples with yet another scandal tied to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's controversial past, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seemingly continue with their quiet life in Montecito. After Mountbatten Windsor relinquished all his royal titles, royal expert Duncan Larcombe claimed that although the Sussexes have remained mum, they are reportedly 'divided' when it comes to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's position within the family.
Harry and Markle were once particularly close to Eugenie after their move to the US. However, Larcombe suggested that it may no longer be the case. He told The Mirror, "Harry has always been close to Beatrice and Eugenie. They didn’t see a massive amount of each other growing up because they didn’t live very close to each other, but they'd always get together for Christmas at Sandringham." The expert believes that the Duke still supports his sisters behind closed doors, owing to their difficult position. This stance, Larcombe argues, could create a 'divide' with Markle.
Markle's alleged issue with Beatrice and Eugenie, Larcombe suggested, has to do with their father, Mountbatten Windsor's association with Jeffrey Epstein, which garnered a greater backlash in the US. He stressed, "Meghan will be very aware of the sensitivities as she’s very media-conscious. She won't want to be seen to be too sympathetic towards them, so she will keep her distance." He added, "I don’t think she could object to Harry privately supporting them, but they will be on very different pages."
Larcombe further opined that while the Sussexes may not see eye to eye on Mountbatten Windsor's past, they remain united in wanting no association with him or Sarah Ferguson. "From Meghan’s point of view, it’s probably a commercial thing; from Harry’s point of view, it’s probably more of an emotional thing."
After Mountbatten Windsor lost his titles, a source claimed that Harry and Markle were left rattled, fearing that one day the same might happen to them. The insider spoke to Rob Shutter, who wrote in his Shutter Scoop, "[Harry's] stomach dropped. He thought titles were untouchable. Now he’s not so sure."
For months, the Duke had reportedly brushed off the significance of royal titles, but seeing one stripped away in real time unnerved him. Markle shared the same feeling, concerned that the 'Prince/Princess' branding for her children might be at risk. Commenting on the Sussexes' dilemma, a Los Angeles strategist remarked, "A title isn’t sentimental. It’s leverage in every negotiation."
Meanwhile, Beatrice and Eugenie's royal status has remained intact despite their parents' recent fallout. Royal expert Phil Dampier wrote for Woman's Day, "The King and William have always been fond of Bea and Eugenie, and their husbands, and regard them as innocent victims." According to him, a close source revealed that King Charles and Prince William have been supportive of the sisters, and they are expected to join the royals for Christmas in Sandringham.