Princess Eugenie set to distance herself from Prince Harry link as ‘other issues’ take priority

“Eugenie and Beatrice have other issues that they’re concerned with,” he said.

He pointed to what he described as an increase in their charity involvement and said the King appears supportive of them as non-working royals with independent careers.

Mr Fitzwilliams said: “Actually, it’s very much the case King Charles wants them on board and to continue being on board, although not working royals, of course.

“They are happily married, with careers, and do quite a lot of work for charity.”

He highlighted Eugenie’s connection to the King’s Foundation, saying it reflects a degree of trust and inclusion.

“Eugenie became a mentor for the King’s Foundation,” he said.

Princess Eugenie was publicly named as a mentor for The King’s Foundation’s “35 under 35” network in May.

In addition, she attended a mentor’s brunch for the programme in November.

Mr Fitzwilliams suggested that with Beatrice and Eugenie’s parents’ situation continuing to attract attention, the York sisters are likely to keep their focus narrow.

“Obviously, with their parents' problems,” he noted, “it’s a devastating year for them, I’m sure.”

Mr Fitzwilliams argued that for Beatrice and Eugenie, keeping steady public optics matters.

This is particularly the case when the York family name is constantly tainted with negative headlines.

“I don’t think that they’d be playing a terribly active role in other issues,” he said, concerning Prince Harry and Meghan.

Mr Fitzwilliams suggested that appearances and reputation management are central to how the York sisters will navigate the current landscape.

“Keeping up appearances is very, very important,” he stated.

The royal author added that Eugenie and Beatrice's ability to maintain and expand charitable involvement is itself a signal.

“Also, their charitable work and the fact that they’ve been able to increase it are important,” he said. “It shows the King’s got confidence in them.”