King Charles makes his feelings clear on Princess Beatrice and Eugenie | Royal | News
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were welcomed back into the fold last week when they joined the equestrian Royal Family for their annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. Their attendance at the festive family gathering marked a public show of support for the sisters following their parents’ fall from grace.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have been stripped of their remaining royal titles and honors amid numerous revelations about their dealings with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. But throughout the scandal, the King made clear that he continued to hold his nephews in high regard and distanced them from their parents’ indiscretions.
This was clear from the outset, as Beatrice and Eugenie were allowed to retain their royal titles and maintain working connections with the Firm, such as Eugenie’s relationship with the King’s Foundation. It’s been a terrible time for them, but it’s touching to see the monarch continue to support them and include them in important events.
The sisters attended lunch with about 70 members of the family Tuesday evening; where the Prince and Princess of Wales brought their offspring to the celebrations after skipping the celebration last year. The meal heralds the big day at Sandringham, allowing those not invited to the Norfolk estate to celebrate Christmas as a family.
Kids eat separately from adults but still enjoy the turkey dinner with all the trimmings, crackers, and festive games. This week, senior royals will begin arriving at Sandringham ahead of Christmas Day.
This year I’ll be joining them, but I won’t be too fond of the glitz and glamour, as I’ll be standing outside St Mary Magdalene Church for the morning church service, waiting for the royal arrival. Even though I’ll be away from my family, I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and giving readers a first-hand look at the royal event, from their attire, their conversations with the public, and all the interactions you might miss on television.
Some royal Christmas traditions seem a bit mundane, like receiving their joker gifts in hierarchical order (senior royals get first and juniors, while non-working members have to wait until the end) and strict dress codes for dinner.
But there is one tradition that I look forward to every year: the annual Christmas card photo. While the King and Queen tend to choose a highlight of the year, such as their 20th wedding anniversary and coronation, the Prince and Princess of Wales often share a never-before-seen family photo.
And this year was no different; The smiling image of the family sitting on the grass was posted on Thursday. The five look happy, relaxed and close-knit as they sit with their arms around each other in the garden of their Norfolk property.
Family is more important than ever to William and Catherine, because everyone can see that in pictures like this.
It’s great to see the Prince of Wales following in his late mother’s footsteps and introducing his eldest son to homeless charity The Passage. Princess Diana first brought it with her when she was 11; This visit is believed to have inspired his lifelong commitment to combating homelessness.
Now he’s trying to pass that passion on to his 12-year-old son, Prince George, by helping with the charity’s annual Christmas dinner.
She stuck around wrapping care packages, baking cupcakes, and helping decorate the tree. This marks another example of young George rising to prominence this year; his parents carefully introduce him to the intense world of royal duty and help prepare him for what awaits – but I don’t know how exactly one can prepare to be King.
There are only four days left until December 25th and I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I’m sure this year has not been without its challenges for many, but as you gather with friends and family this Christmas, be grateful for each other’s love and warmth and cherish the special moments you share.
Christmas is about coming together; not to mention enjoying seasonal treats. So if you can, put your feet up and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, and remember, Christmas is a time to take care of and spend time with your loved ones (even if they drive you crazy every now and then!).
