Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Put Princess Eugenie in a ‘Very Difficult Position’ About Christmas
Christmas invitations for Princess Eugenie. The 34-year-old British royal has not one but two invites for the holidays. One to stay at the Sandringham estate with King Charles III and the rest of the British royal family. The other? To Montecito, California, for a celebration with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Eugenie has Christmas invites for Sandringham and California
According to the U.K.’s Express, Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their sons, August and Ernest, may celebrate Christmas stateside. “Harry and Meghan have invited Eugenie and Jack to join them in California during the holidays,” a source told the publication.
The invitation complicates matters for Eugenie. Why? Because of her Sandringham Christmas invite. “It’s a very difficult position for Eugenie because she has also been invited to Sandringham,” the insider said.
The ongoing rift between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the royal family means they haven’t reportedly been invited to spend Christmas in Norfolk, England, with other members of The Firm. The couple spent two Christmases with the royal family—one in 2017 and the other in 2018—before relocating to the U.S. in 2020.
California may have a slight edge over Sandringham for Eugenie because, per the insider, she and Harry’s kids are similar in age. “It would be so nice for the children to spend time with their cousins,” the source said. Eugenie’s boys are 3 and 1, while Prince Archie is 5 and Princess Lilibet is 3.
Princess Eugenie must pick between England and California
Eugenie has a choice to make. She, her husband, and two sons can go to California to celebrate Christmas with Harry and Meghan. Or they can spend the holidays in England with her parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, and sister, Princess Beatrice.
The latter would likely include royal family traditions such as gag gifts, a big meal, and walking to church on Christmas Day. As for California, it’s likely to be much more laid-back. Getting their kids together could ultimately make California the frontrunner.
“Eugenie and Harry were at one point almost inseparable,” the insider said. “They have maintained a bond in recent years and are keen for their children to share a close family connection as they grow up.”
If not Christmas, Harry and Eugenie could ring in 2025 together. “The diary is very tight over the holidays, but there might be a slot free around New Year’s time for everyone to come together at some point.”
Staying close with Harry and Meghan already has Eugenie doing a ‘delicate balancing act’
Before the Sussex Christmas invite, Eugenie was already in a tricky situation because she’s kept in touch with Harry and Meghan through all the royal drama.
“Eugenie is in a difficult spot because she’s always been close to Harry,” a source told the U.K.’s Express. “But she is extremely mindful that this relationship could rock the boat with the rest of her family.”
Prince William, who has reportedly worried about a potential “alliance” between Harry and Eugenie, has been estranged from his brother for years. Harry’s relationship with their father, the king, isn’t much better. King Charles is reportedly not talking to Harry because of the potential impact on the 40-year-old’s security lawsuit against the U.K. government. So, needless to say, Eugenie must tread carefully.
“It’s a rather precarious position for her to be in and one that requires a delicate balancing act,” the source continued. “The Yorks are keen to keep on the good side of senior royals following recent events. So [Eugenie] most certainly doesn’t want anything to hamper the family’s recent good efforts.”
