Prince William Distances Himself From Uncle Andrew’s Mess to Keep Beatrice and Eugenie Close
Prince William is said to be managing his close ties with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie while carefully steering clear of their father, Prince Andrew’s ongoing troubles. Those close to the royals note that the Prince of Wales’s handling of the matter reflects quiet diplomacy and restraint. While he continues to support his cousins privately, he has avoided getting entangled in discussions that could deepen the rift within the royal family.
According to GB News, "Prince William is keeping his distance from crucial talks between King Charles and Prince Andrew regarding the disgraced royal's residency at Royal Lodge." Though the heir apparent has subtly expressed his disapproval of his uncle’s past behavior, he remains careful not to let it affect his bond with Beatrice and Eugenie. "The future king is said to be keen on resolving the dispute but has avoided direct involvement due to his fondness for his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie," the outlet continued. At the same time, William has also reportedly "made clear to the 37 and 35-year-old sisters that they remain blameless in the matter of their father's fall from grace."
The situation surrounding the 65-year-old prince’s residence at Royal Lodge continues to be a sensitive one. Considered one of the most prized royal homes, the Windsor property has now become a symbol of tension between Andrew and the rest of the royal family. Reports claim that the former Duke is unwilling to leave the estate, despite talks led by King Charles. As reported by the Daily Mail, the prince and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, reportedly called a private family “summit” to discuss the future of Royal Lodge. However, according to an insider, "The Royal Lodge 'summit' wasn't a happy occasion and the family, once a strong unit, is fractured." Eugenie "did not even attend the crisis meeting," the outlet noted.
Not just William; even King Charles is said to be handling the matter with both caution and care. Rather than formally stripping his brother of titles, he reportedly asked Andrew to relinquish them voluntarily. According to The Sun, "The King was determined to avoid impacting Beatrice and Eugenie—who he has great affection for—it is believed." Experts suggest this was the monarch’s way of protecting his nieces from bearing any secondary consequence of their father’s downfall. So, while Andrew and Ferguson will no longer be referred to as the Duke and Duchess of York, their daughters will retain their titles as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York.
Throughout it all, the sisters have continued to uphold their roles with composure. They have been valuable assets to the royal family, always standing by the monarchy whenever needed. On the same note, royal photographer Arthur Edwards, who has known the two for years, defended them against unfair criticism in his write-up for The Sun. “While their parents may have been brought down by scandal, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie can hold their heads high,” Edwards wrote, adding, “The girls are wonderful assets to the royal family, and neither of them has ever put a foot wrong.” His views reflect what many royal watchers believe. “They share a natural warmth and sense of duty,” the royal photographer noted, adding that although Andrew has often been seen as arrogant, “there’s not a sniff of pomposity" about his daughters.