King Charles III is facing renewed scrutiny over his handling of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie after reports suggested the York sisters have been repeatedly included and excluded from major royal events, fueling claims of disagreement within the House of Windsor over the future shape of the monarchy.
The latest controversy centers on two high-profile occasions: Peter Phillips' upcoming wedding to Harriet Sperling on June 6 and this year's Royal Ascot. According to reports cited by royal commentators, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were initially expected to attend certain family events before reportedly being removed from plans, reigniting debate over their place within the royal fold.
At the center of the criticism is royal biographer Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York. Speaking to Woman's Day, Lownie argued that the monarchy has failed to establish a clear position regarding Prince Andrew's daughters.
According to Lownie, the uncertainty reflects a broader divide over how the Royal Family should handle relatives linked to the fallout from Prince Andrew's scandals. While Beatrice and Eugenie have not been accused of wrongdoing, their father's controversies continue to cast a shadow over discussions about their public roles.
Lownie suggested King Charles and Prince William may view the issue differently. "Charles is a bit weaker and thinks, 'Oh well, that you know the girls can't be blamed, they're okay'," he said. Buckingham Palace has not commented on the claim, and there is no official confirmation that any disagreement exists between the King and the Prince of Wales.
The royal author described what he sees as an inconsistent approach toward the sisters, saying, "One moment they're going to things, and the next they're cut out." He argued that the uncertainty has left Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in a difficult position, neither fully integrated into royal duties nor completely detached from the institution.
The debate comes as King Charles continues efforts to streamline the monarchy, a long-term project aimed at reducing the number of working royals while maintaining public support for the institution. The role of extended family members has become increasingly complicated as the monarchy seeks to balance tradition, public perception and financial accountability.
Lownie pointed to Sarah Ferguson's gradual return to royal events as another example of what he described as mixed messaging. After years largely absent from major royal occasions following her divorce from Prince Andrew, Ferguson has reappeared at events including Wimbledon and Royal Ascot.
"As soon as Philip's dead, she's going to Wimbledon and Ascot, and Charles is kissing her hand," Lownie said. He suggested such decisions undermine efforts to establish firm boundaries around individuals connected to past controversies.
The author speculated that King Charles may be motivated by sympathy toward family members who have become collateral damage in the fallout surrounding Prince Andrew. "I don't know if [Charles] feels some sort of sympathy, he feels maybe... 'We need to keep these people inside the tent'," Lownie said.
His strongest criticism came when discussing the impact on Beatrice and Eugenie themselves. "I don't know, but it's a cruel way to behave to them, and it sends out such mixed messages, and it makes him look weak," he said.
