It has been a turbulent year for the royal family, with former prince Andrew’s scandals continuing to cast a shadow over the monarchy.
But as Christmas approaches, Princess Catherine is reportedly rising above the drama, extending an olive branch to Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Since news broke last month that Andrew would be stripped of his titles and removed from Windsor’s Royal Lodge, all eyes have been on his daughters.
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Beatrice and Eugenie have kept busy with public engagements, but behind the scenes, Catherine has reportedly reached out.
According to royal commentator Neil Sean, the sisters received personal invitations from Catherine’s office for this year’s Together at Christmas carol service, held at Westminster Abbey on December 5.
“This is Catherine’s project and she has the final say — very similar to the way Prince William runs Earthshot,” Sean told Fox News.
“Above all, the royal family wants to be seen as united amid a very difficult year.”
Catherine, returning for the fifth consecutive year to host her annual Christmas concert, is celebrating the “power of love” this year, with major stars including Hannah Waddingham, Kate Winslet, and Chiwetel Ejiofor taking part in the event.
Carols will be performed by the Westminster Abbey choir alongside musical performances.
While royal family members traditionally support the event, this year’s invitation carries added weight.
Catherine’s move signals a deliberate effort to rise above controversy and emphasise togetherness during the festive season, reinforcing her growing role as a unifying figure in the royal family.
Following the fallout from Andrew’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Catherine’s invitation to Beatrice and Eugenie is seen as a gesture toward family unity.
Princess Beatrice attended the Christmas event in 2024, but Sean added this year’s invite “puts the sisters in a very difficult dilemma”.
“If they don’t attend, it looks like they’re snubbing a prestigious invite,” he claimed.
“If they do attend, they risk a media circus with them at the centre of attention.”
