The Princess of Wales‘ annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster abbey, a beloved tradition now in its fifth year, saw the noticeable absence of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie on December 14th [[2]]. while Princess Eugenie publicly acknowledged the absence via Instagram, expressing regret that she and her sister could not attend, the sisters’ decision comes amid a period of ongoing scrutiny for the York family following Prince Andrew’s fall from grace [[1]]. This year’s concert featured musical performances by artists including Freya Ridings and the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, and benefitted the Princess of Wales’ Shaping Us campaign.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were noticeably absent from the Princess of Wales’ annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 14th. The concert, now in its fifth year, is a highlight of the royal holiday season, drawing attention from media and fans alike.
Princess Eugenie addressed the absence on Instagram, explaining that she and her sister Beatrice would have liked to attend and wished their cousins a wonderful time. “I wish Bea and I could have been celebrating with our family tonight,” Eugenie wrote alongside a post shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales. “Sending the Prince and Princess of Wales a very special evening at their fantastic carol concert. What a wonderful message of love and hope.”
Eugenie also missed last year’s concert, while Beatrice had attended every iteration since Kate Middleton began hosting the event in 2021.
The sisters’ absence comes weeks after their father, Prince Andrew, lost his royal titles following continued controversy. However, The Daily Mail reports that Beatrice and Eugenie had prior commitments and declined the invitation extended to them by the Princess of Wales. Prince William, along with their three children and other members of the royal family, including the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Dukes of Gloucester, were also in attendance.
Despite recent challenges, King Charles III appears determined to support his nieces. Last month, his foundation, The King’s Foundation, announced Eugenie as a mentor in a program for young people under 35. The move signals continued royal support for the princesses, even amidst family upheaval.
All eyes are now on whether Beatrice and Eugenie will attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham, another key royal family event. According to reports, their parents were not invited to Sandringham this year.
