Eugenie and Beatrice's 'best opportunity' is Christmas with King Charles as sisters dealt warning

“It’s entirely significant from a public relations point of view,” Mr Fitzwilliams said.

“Of course, it’s important to be seen with the Royal Family at Christmas.

“They’re happily married, they’ve got careers, and they’ve done a certain amount of charitable work, but I can’t see that increasing at the moment, because they were doing a bit more before.

“They’ve got to handle things. It’s impossible for them, and one does sympathise, but we don’t know what’s coming out in all these files.”

Mr Fitzwilliams referenced Princess Beatrice’s connection to preparations for Prince Andrew’s 2019 Newsnight interview, adding that the current climate makes decisions particularly sensitive.

He noted: “Beatrice, for example, was involved with Newsnight. It is very difficult.

“I’d have thought being with the Royal Family was the best for them.

“What King Charles decides to do, and whether he invites them, I don’t know. They might decide to be quietly with their husbands’ families.

“If they spent it with, or were known to spend it with, the Yorks, people would draw their own conclusions.”

The timing matters as Christmas planning begins. Recent reporting indicates Beatrice and Eugenie’s status remains unchanged, and they continue as non-working royals.

Invitations to family occasions are set to continue, especially as King Charles and Prince William are understood to be keen to protect the two princesses.

The final Sandringham guest list has not yet been confirmed.

Asked if the sisters have been tarnished by association with their disgraced parents, Mr Fitzwilliams told the People's Channel: “I agree that they are. The only thing is, I don’t know what is yet to come out.

“But in reality, yes, I would have thought so. So if they get an invitation to spend Christmas with the Royal Family, I would have thought that was their best opportunity.”

Away from royal events, Eugenie has focused on The Anti-Slavery Collective, which recently launched a campaign highlighting how counterfeit fashion links to exploitation.

Beatrice has continued her private-sector work at Afiniti, a company at which she is now Vice President, alongside patronages.

Mr Fitzwilliams does not expect either sister to expand their public-facing roles for now.

That balance is likely to shape decisions over the coming weeks, including whether they appear at Sandringham or spend Christmas with their husbands’ families.