Another Royal Feud Could Be Looming as 4 Major Royals Back Out of Christmas at Sandringham
For years, the only major discussion among royal relationships was Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s estranged relationship with Harry’s father and brother, King Charles and Prince William. Harry and Meghan left the family in 2020, and while they don’t get along with the two men, they do still have good relationships with most other royal family members.
Now, though, it appears there could be another royal feud on the rise between the King Charles and the Yorks, as all four members of the York family — Prince Andrew’s family — have backed out of Christmas at Sandringham for the first time ever.
Tensions have been rising between the Yorks and King Charles
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was married to Sarah Ferguson for 10 years, and they share two daughters: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who all make up the York family. Andrew, who is Charles’ younger brother, found himself in hot water with the royal family back in 2020 when he was accused of sexual assault after his years-long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed. Ultimately, he stepped away from royal duties and never returned.
Throughout 2024, Charles has been giving Andrew heat over Andrew’s refusal to move into a smaller home, and Charles even cut the prince off financially. And most recently, Andrew’s alleged involvement with a Chinese spy had Charles fuming.
Now, Andrew has chosen to back out of Christmas at Sandringham, which is an event he almost never misses. And his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who accompanied him last year, will also not attend. Even more surprisingly, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have never missed a royal Christmas (with the exception of 2020 due to covid), have announced they are backing out as well.
The situation has the makings of a royal feud
Beatrice and Eugenie are choosing to spend Christmas with their own respective families, which has never happened before. Without getting too ahead of ourselves, it looks like trouble is brewing for the Yorks and Charles — Beatrice and Eugenie’s decision to step away from the royal Christmas seems to be a show of solidarity with their father. It seems pretty clear that Charles does not want Andrew in attendance.
Eugenie has maintained a close relationship with Harry and Meghan despite that William and Charles have not, and Harry and Meghan even reportedly just bought a vacation home in Portugal near Eugenie’s. It shows that Eugenie also stands with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The whole situation might well blow over, but with Andrew’s issues with Charles only increasing, and Beatrice and Eugenie’s decision to disconnect with the other royals at Christmas, we can’t help but think there could be problems brewing behind palace walls.
