The Princess of Wales has long been viewed as a mediator between feuding brothers Prince William and Prince Harry, but Royal biographer Andrew Lownie suggests Princess Eugenie has now assumed this responsibility.
Lownie, who has been investigating the Duke and Duchess of York for his upcoming publication, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, believes their younger daughter naturally features in these discussions.
According to the biographer, Kate has withdrawn from the ongoing family dispute, creating space for a new mediator as William and Harry remain at odds.
Lownie told Express US: “I think, maybe, Eugenie wants to be the peacemaker between Harry and William, she has kept in with both of them, but Kate is above all that.”
The author also suggests Prince Andrew – the focus of his new book – should negotiate his future arrangements with King Charles before William ascends to the throne, as his brother would likely be more accommodating.
He noted: “I think it’s pretty clear that William will be less sympathetic to him than Charles, the question is, we don’t know when William is going to the throne, it could be ten years, a lot can happen in ten years, so it depends on the timing.”
He continued: “The advice I would give Andrew is to work out whatever your future is with Charles because it’s going to be a better deal than what you get with William.”
Kate has stepped back from her mediator position. When it comes to Prince Charles, he’s always had a soft spot for his younger brother Prince Andrew, who is 12 years his junior.
Reports suggest they shared a close bond growing up, and this seems to have persisted into their adult lives. However, Lownie points out that while Charles is supportive of his brother, there’s a limit to what he can tolerate.
He elaborated: “Charles feels responsibility to his brother and to do what his mother would have wanted, but at the same time, he is head of the monarchy, he’s got to think of the reputational damage. So he’s got to separate, as the Queen used to separate her own family feelings from what’s required for the state of the nation and the future of the institution.”
This sheds light on why Kate Middleton might have taken a step back. It’s quite a complex situation, but perhaps that’s just part of the job when you’re a Royal.