'Played it Neutral': Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie Refrained From Putting Their Dynamic With Their Royal Cousins 'in Jeopardy' at Christmas

The York princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie, decided to "play it neutral" at the Sandringham Christmas church procession this year. This was apparently in a bid to minimize any friction with their senior royal cousins, who were supposed to be the stars of the show.

"It is clear they have stayed on good terms with their cousins and see no reason to put that in jeopardy," fashion expert Jennifer Von Walderdorff dished.

"Beatrice and Eugenie showed a message of solidarity on Christmas. Therefore, the sisters played it neutral this year," she added.

Princess Beatrice wore a navy, belted overcoat by Maje Paris, while her younger sister opted for a By Malene Birger "Sirrenas" black wool coat. Both junior royals attended the St Mary Magdalene service with their respective spouses, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank.

Beatrice and Eugenie were also on hand to accompany their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, with the royal gathering at Sandringham being the first for the latter in what is believed to be the early 1990s.

The appearance comes after a recent analysis suggests that the two junior royals were looking to receive "royal promotions" from King Charles III to become full-time, working royals.

"The palace is looking at the patronages. But I think William has made clear where he stands," royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams dished in November.

There's no doubt that because there are few working royals, there will be fewer patronages. But I think because of that, Beatrice and Eugenie might very well have done more in different circumstances. "But it's always very important to note public attitudes to this. Inevitably, they would receive a certain amount from the sovereign grant as working royals. And I don't think that that would be something most people would think was acceptable at the moment," the expert added.

The princesses seeking not to ruffle Prince William's feathers comes after the king-in-waiting made some veiled comments about how the monarchy has functioned in the past when it came to charitable organizations and patronages. While speaking at the 2023 Earthshot Prize awards in Singapore, also in November, the Prince of Wales highlighted how the Crown should approach the future.

"I care about so many things, and previously the family have been very much spotlighting brilliantly and going round and highlighting lots — I want to go a step further. I want to actually bring change, and I want to bring people to the table who can do the change if I can’t do it. I think the thing that ties it all together for me is social leadership. That’s what I’m trying to find my way in," the next monarch shared.

GBN reported on Walderdorff's comments.