Prince William has reportedly clashed with King Charles over the monarch's decision to elevate Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie into more visible royal roles, amid concerns that reintroducing the York sisters could revive public unease tied to their father, Prince Andrew.
According to Yahoo News UK, William privately warned that the York family remains "poison with the public" and argued that any move to reintegrate them risks undoing efforts to restore confidence in the monarchy. A palace insider told the outlet that the Prince of Wales is "fuming," believing that giving Beatrice and Eugenie greater prominence could "reopen wounds the monarchy has worked hard to heal."
The disagreement underscores a widening philosophical divide between father and son over the monarchy's future direction. King Charles, described by The News International as "sentimental" in his approach, reportedly sees Beatrice and Eugenie's return as a gesture of reconciliation and family unity. The King is said to believe his nieces "deserve a second chance" and views Beatrice in particular as "loyal, discreet and under-utilised."
Charles' plan, sources say, could involve assigning Beatrice new patronages and ceremonial appearances as he reshapes the list of working royals. For the King, the move is about inclusion; for William, it represents unnecessary risk. The Prince's priority, courtiers suggest, is to protect the monarchy's reputation as it continues to adjust to the post-Sussex era and ongoing scrutiny over Prince Andrew's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Both York sisters have maintained low profiles since Andrew was stripped of royal duties and military titles in 2022. Beatrice, who is married to property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, is often praised for her quiet professionalism, while Eugenie has earned recognition for her environmental advocacy and focus on family life. Despite their personal reputations, William reportedly fears that any expansion of their royal duties would reignite public skepticism over the family's accountability.
Public opinion remains divided. Some royal observers argue that Beatrice and Eugenie have earned the right to rebuild their image through charity work and public service. Others contend that their association with Prince Andrew continues to cast too long a shadow for a full return.
Interestingly, William once described the sidelining of extended royals, including the York sisters, as a "missed opportunity," according to GB News. But aides now say his stance has hardened. The Prince's current view is shaped by optics: what once looked like an untapped resource now appears to him as a reputational liability.
