Prince Harrymay live thousands of miles away, but he remains “so close” to cousinsPrincess BeatriceandPrincess Eugenie.
A family insider tells PEOPLE, “They’re still the best of friends and talk constantly.”
The tensions between Prince Harry andMeghan Marklewith the royal family, particularly his fatherKing Charlesand brotherPrince William, has been “really stressful” for Beatrice and Eugenie, the insider adds.
“This whole drama between him and Meghan and the rift with the rest of the family has been really stressful for the girls. It’s hard to watch because they see both sides of it,” the source says, adding that the princesses “understand and live the royal machine.”
The insider adds that Prince William “knows what his end game is and where he’ll be, and it’s being king one day. William’s life revolves around his role, and his family, of course. But there is a clear path for him and a future that is obviously very different from Harry’s. Inherently, they have different priorities and different perspectives.”
Prince Harry at the coronation with Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and their husbands.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Prince Harry’s bond with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie was recently on display at King Charles' coronation on May 6. Although Meghan stayed in California for the event with their two children, including son Prince Archie who turned 4 on coronation day,Harry entered Westminster Abbey smiling and chattingwith Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank.
The Duke of Sussex took his seat in the third row between Jack and Princess Alexandra.
Though family tensions eventually lead Prince Harry, 38, and Meghan, 42, to step back from their royal roles in 2020 and relations have remained strained since the release of his memoirSparein January, the Duke of Sussex came to coronation out of duty and love for his father.
“At the end of the day, he’s going to be there for his dad,” a close friendtold PEOPLE.
Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth in May 2019.Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty
Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty
“Eugenie had always been more than just a cousin to Harry. They were also the closest of friends,” authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote inFinding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family.
“Out of all the Queen’s grandchildren, Harry and Eugenie have one of the most natural connections. Like Harry, Eugenie is loyal, honest, and great fun. The two had many nights out together in London,” the authors added. “Harry had always confided in his cousin when it came to the women in his life. Not only did he trust her implicitly, but friends say that she gives great advice and has always been ‘beyond wise’ for her years.”
Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice at Trooping the Colour 2012.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Speaking withOprah Winfreyin 2021, Meghan revealed thatshe knew Princess Eugenie prior to dating Harry.
“Eugenie and I had known each other before I had known Harry, so that was comfortable,” Meghan said. “We’re friends with them as a couple.”
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Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and Prince William on a 1995 ski vacation in Switzerland.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
The Duchess of Sussex later toldEllen DeGenereson her talk show that Princess Eugenie and Jackvisited her in Torontowhen she was dating Prince Harry. Before the news of their relationship broke to the public, the two couples went out to a Halloween party in disguise.
“The four of us snuck out in Halloween costumes to just have one fun night on the town before it was out in the world that we were a couple,” explained Meghan.
Meghan said that the party had a post-apocalyptic theme, so they were covered up in “very bizarre” costumes that made them unrecognizable.
“We were able to just sort of have one final, fun night out,” she said.
Theyshared never-before-seen photosfrom the night on their Netflix docuseries, with both Meghan and Harry incognito in masks.
source: people.com
