Prince William’s ‘warmth’ towards Beatrice and Eugenie despite ‘fury’ at Andrew
The Prince of Wales embraced his cousins at Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperlingâs wedding, with one royal expert pointing out the future kingâs telling move despite his divided family
The Prince of Wales and Princess Beatrice at the royal wedding in Cirencester(Image: Getty Images)
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling tied the knot in a charming and intimate wedding on Saturday, with a host of royals in attendance for their special day. And despite the happy couple beaming and posing for photos after their nuptials, all eyes were on a different face in the crowd.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, along with their husbands, arrived for the ceremony on a rainy day in Cirencester, much to the surprise of many royal watchers. Rumours were rife over whether or not the royal sisters would attend, given the recent release of the National Audit Officeâs report that revealed King Charles has been footing the bill for their private homes in London residences despite not being working royals.
Others believed Beatrice and Eugenie would not attend the nuptials due to the storm surrounding their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, over their involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Prince William greeted Princess Beatrice at their cousin Peter Phillips’ wedding(Image: Getty Images)
But when the sisters arrived at the wedding, they were beaming as they were greeted by their royal cousins, namely Prince William.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward told The Sun that the Prince of Walesâ actions were a telling move that he still cares for his cousins, despite their parents’ indiscretions.
Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi(Image: Getty Images)
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie alongside their husbands (Image: Getty Images)
Ingrid told the publication: âWilliam has known the girls all their lives. Whatever his feelings for their father â and he has made no secret of his fury at the damage Andrewâs actions have heaped upon the monarchy â both he and Catherine have been clear on one point: the sins of the father are not the sins of the daughters.â
Beatrice and Eugenie were also greeted by another cousin, Zara Tindall, who Ingrid says âshowed genuine warmthâ as the women embraced outside the church in Kemble, Gloucestershire.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that Beatrice and Eugenie have remained close with Peter Phillips, adding that their appearance at the wedding, when they have both kept a low public profile amid controversy about their father Andrew, was “quite brave”.
Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling tied the knot on Saturday(Image: Peter & Harriet Phillips © 2026)
Jennie said: “Peter has always been an immensely popular member of the family, so it was no surprise to see such a big turnout of royals. I thought it was quite brave of Beatrice and Eugenie to show up⊠knowing that the cameras would be on them.
“They’ve had a lot of highly critical press lately and it can’t have been easy for them to face the media. But they did seem to keep quite a low profile, particularly as the bridal party left the church. I’m sure they were determined not to draw any of the limelight from the bride and groom, who looked incredibly happy and relaxed together.
Jennie added: “This was a much needed joyful day for the family, and a chance to show that they â or at least most of them â remain united in spite of all the damaging headlines of recent times.”
