Princess Eugenie is being tipped to attend the Royal Family’s Christmas Day gathering at Sandringham, with King Charles urged to emphasise family unity during the festive period, according to royal commentator Laura Windsor.
Following her appearance at the King’s pre-Christmas family lunch at Buckingham Palace with Princess Beatrice on December 16, questions have turned to whether the York sisters will also be present for the traditional Christmas Day church service in Norfolk.
A source has told the Sun that Beatrice is set to leave the UK with Mr Mapelli Mozzi for a ski trip and snub both the Royal Family, as well as Andrew and Fergie.
They claimed: “Beatrice doesn’t want to cause any embarrassment and was torn between loyalty to the King and her parents.
“That is why, with Eugenie, they went to Buckingham Palace for the pre-Christmas family lunch.
“She appreciates the way that the King and William have looked after her during everything that has been happening with Andy and Sarah.
“She didn’t want it to look like they were snubbing anyone, so it was easier to go off with friends.”
Ms Windsor, a protocol adviser who has worked with royal households in the Middle East, told GB News she sees no reason why Eugenie, 35, would not be invited, describing her attendance as natural and appropriate, even if Beatrice does travel abroad.
King Charles tipped to act as ‘role model’ with Beatrice and Eugenie amid Sandringham plans
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“Of course she’ll be invited,” she said. “She’s the child. She’s not her father.”
The commentator said the King has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership through his handling of family dynamics during Christmas, particularly given the ongoing exclusion of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from royal gatherings.
“King Charles is a role model,” she said, “and he should be definitely emphasising that family is important.”
Ms Windsor argued that Christmas Day at Sandringham should be viewed primarily as a family occasion rather than a public test of loyalty or hierarchy, despite the intense scrutiny that surrounds the event each year.
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Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie ‘should not be punished’ for Andrew situation | GETTYThe Christmas Day walk to St Mary Magdalene Church is one of the most high-profile moments in the royal calendar, offering the public a rare glimpse of the family together.
Attendance is closely analysed, with absences often interpreted as deliberate signals.
Ms Windsor rejected the idea that Eugenie’s presence would send a mixed message about Andrew’s continued exclusion.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have never been working royals but have remained visible at major family occasions, including weddings, funerals and festive gatherings.
Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie at the pre-Christmas lunch | GETTYEugenie's presence at Sandringham would be consistent with that approach, according to the commentator.
Ms Windsor said Christmas offered an opportunity for the King to reinforce stability rather than deepen divisions. “It’s all about family,” she said.
King Charles has previously spoken about the importance of family values, particularly during periods of transition for the monarchy.
With the Christmas period often framed as a moment of reflection, Ms Windsor suggested it would be appropriate for the King to underline unity where possible.