Princess Eugenie's Frosty Snub: Sussex Pal Follows Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Lead by 'Turning Up Nose' to Popular Senior Royal 

Princess Eugenie's mysterious absence from Kate, Princess of Wales' "Together at Christmas" carol service at Westminster Abbey has ignited a flurry of speculation around the junior royal's decision.

The York royal, 34, who divides her time between the U.K. and Portugal, was notably missing from the festive gathering, prompting questions about her current whereabouts, and if this truly was a "snub."

Eugenie's husband, Jack Brooksbank, 38, holds a position with Discovery Land Company, a property development enterprise owned by Michael Meldman, necessitating the couple's partial relocation to Portugal. This transcontinental lifestyle has led to their roots extending into Portuguese soil while maintaining ties to the United Kingdom.

Adding to the intrigue, reports surfaced in October that Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 43, have invested in a 3.6 million pound villa near Eugenie and Jack's Portuguese residence. This acquisition is perceived as a strategic move to bolster their European connections.

However, insiders clarify that the property is "more an investment than anything else," with construction still underway. The villa is envisioned as a "holiday retreat" and a means to "protect their assets," rather than a primary residence.

Former palace aide Grant Harold speculated that this development might indicate the Sussexes' intent to "edge their way back toward the U.K.," suggesting that their American sojourn may not have unfolded as anticipated.

The enduring camaraderie between the Sussexes and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's youngest daughter adds another layer to this narrative. Eugenie was reportedly the first royal to meet Meghan during her courtship with Harry, and their bond has remained steadfast.

Eugenie and Jack's appearance in the Sussexes' Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, and their visit to California in 2022, underscore this closeness.

At the Friday, December 6, Westminster Abbey carol service, Princess Beatrice, 36, Eugenie's elder sister, represented the York family. Accompanied by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, and his young son, Christopher 'Wolfie' Woolf, 8, Beatrice's presence highlighted the family's ongoing commitment to royal traditions, even amid personal and logistical complexities.

The convergence of these events paints a portrait of a royal family navigating the intricate balance between duty and personal aspirations. Eugenie's transnational lifestyle, coupled with her unwavering support for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, reflects a modern approach to royal responsibilities. As the monarchy continues to evolve, "the actions and choices of its younger members offer a glimpse into a future where tradition harmonizes with contemporary realities," a source shared.

Harry and Meghan have never attended one of the future queen's four Christmas carol services, and have not spent the holiday with the royals since 2018.

Hindustan Times reported on Eugenie's snub.