Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are reportedly reconsidering their attendance at cousin Peter Phillips' wedding in June, following new allegations against their father, Prince Andrew. Thames Valley Police recently expanded its investigation into the Duke of York after a woman alleged he behaved inappropriately at Royal Ascot in 2002.
Royal expert Tom Sykes of The Royalist said the sisters are “mortified all over again” by the latest developments and do not want to overshadow the bride and groom. A source told Sykes that Beatrice and Eugenie would “never want to overshadow the bride and groom’s happy day” and that their attendance was “never concrete”. The insider also suggested they may skip Royal Ascot this summer to keep a low profile.
However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes the princesses have a good relationship with their cousin and that the Royal Family is determined to support them. She told the Mirror: “There will inevitably be some interest in Beatrice and Eugenie if they are guests at the wedding, but not enough to detract from the bride and groom in any major way.” She added that Peter would not hold the alleged sins of Andrew and Sarah against their daughters.
Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne, is set to marry Harriet Sperling on 6 June in Cirencester. The wedding is expected to be a private family affair. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are “following all reasonable lines of inquiry” into the allegations against Andrew, which include potential misconduct in public office.
