In a notable absence, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were missing from the guest list at the Princess of Wales's annual festive event over the weekend, despite reportedly receiving personal invitations.
A Star-Studded Event with Key Absences
The fifth annual Together at Christmas carol service, orchestrated by Princess Catherine, filled Westminster Abbey in London with a glittering array of royals and celebrities on December 5. However, the daughters of the Duke of York, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were conspicuously absent from the gathering.
This year's invitation to the sisters was widely interpreted as a significant olive branch from Catherine, extending family unity amidst the ongoing fallout from their father Prince Andrew's scandals and his subsequent removal from royal duties and his home at Royal Lodge.
Navigating a Royal Dilemma
According to royal commentator Neil Sean, who spoke to Fox News, the sisters were sent personal invitations from Catherine's office. "This is Catherine’s project and she has the final say," Sean noted, drawing a parallel to Prince William's leadership of the Earthshot Prize.
He explained that the invitation placed Beatrice and Eugenie in a difficult position. "If they don’t attend, it looks like they’re snubbing a prestigious invite. If they do attend, they risk a media circus with them at the centre of attention," Sean said, highlighting the delicate balance the family seeks to maintain during a challenging period.
Instead, the sisters cited prior commitments for their non-attendance. Following the service, Princess Eugenie took to Instagram to express her regret, posting the same image of the event programme shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales's official account.
"Wish Bea and I could have been celebrating tonight with our family," she wrote. "Wishing @princeandprincessofwales such a special evening at her incredible carol service. What an amazing message of love and hope."
Who Attended the Festive Celebration?
The event saw a strong showing from the Wales family, with Prince William and all three of their children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—in attendance. Princess Catherine herself wore a dark green coat for the occasion, which celebrated the theme of the "power of love".
Other senior royals present included Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne. Notably, King Charles and Queen Camilla, who attended only once in 2022, were not present this year.
Launched by the Princess of Wales five years ago, the Together at Christmas service is a cornerstone event designed to thank volunteers, fundraisers, and those supporting vulnerable communities across Britain. The focus remains on fostering a message of hope and community spirit during the festive season, even as the family navigates its complex internal dynamics.
