William Has a ‘Soft Spot’ for Beatrice & Eugenie — and It Has to Do With Charles & Diana
As fresh scrutiny befalls the House of York following the US Department of Justice's release of new Epstein documents, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have been dragged back into the spotlight. Prince William, however, has stood beside his royal cousins during this difficult time. Having grown up under immense media attention, the Prince of Wales is said to have a strong sense of ‘sympathy’ for the sisters. While Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor braces for more Epstein revelations, William is said to be protecting his cousins.
Speaking to The Mirror, royal expert Jennie Bond suggested that William has a 'soft spot' for the York sisters because "he had to endure endless publicity about his parents as he was growing up." While she admitted that the headlines revolving the unraveling of King Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage were not as grave, it was still 'traumatic' for the Prince, who was a teenager at the time.
And William may be right to shield his cousins. Despite years of controversies surrounding Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Eugenie have continued to be valuable assets to the monarchy. While the former Duke and Duchess of York remain absent from royal events, the Princesses have been welcomed with open arms. Just a week earlier, they were spotted 'bright and happy' while attending the King’s pre-Christmas lunch alongside other royals. Whether they will spend Christmas with the rest of the royals or at Royal Lodge with their parents is still uncertain at the moment. Reports suggest that instead of making this decision, Beatrice is traveling abroad with her husband and kids for a ski holiday.
Several experts have also echoed the same sentiment as Bond. Taking to HELLO!, royal author Robert Jobson said that the York sisters should not be criticized for something they have not done. “William’s position is direct: Beatrice and Eugenie must not be punished for their father’s alleged sins,” he told the outlet. This also reflects on the fact that while Mountbatten-Windsor lost his titles, honors, and dukedom, Beatrice and Eugenie still retain their HRH styles as well as their Princess titles. Even Charles reportedly supports this idea and is said to hold deep affection for his nieces.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward told The Sun that the monarch feels responsible for the York sisters, who are unnecessarily being dragged into their father’s mistakes. While the two are not working royals, they definitely represent the institution whenever needed. Eugenie has taken an active mentor role in The King’s Foundation’s '35 under 35' network, while Beatrice has been newly appointed as the Deputy Royal Patron of the Outward Bound. These are clear signs of Charles's trust in them as well as his determination to fully embrace his nieces despite the ongoing controversy surrounding their parents.