The British Royals graced the second day of Royal Ascot, delighting fans and onlookers alike. Prince William, in particular, garnered much admiration for his dapper appearance. However, his brother, Prince Harry, was noticeably absent.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, led the royal procession into the parade ring with a beaming smile. His carriage was the first to arrive, accompanied by Queen Camilla, the Earl and Countess of Halifax. The event also saw the attendance of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who were seen laughing and joking together. At one point, William and Beatrice playfully tugged on the tassels of Eugenie's hat, highlighting their close bond.
Eugenie's support for William dates back to a significant moment in the family's recent history following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Harry's controversial actions, including the release of a Netflix documentary and his memoir "Spare," strained his relationships within the family. In particular, Eugenie took William's side, distancing herself from Harry after he breached trust by involving cameramen in forbidden situations.
The rift became more evident when Eugenie didn't invite Harry to Portugal and ceased communication with him. This shift in alliances was underscored by the fact that Eugenie's stepson, Wolfie, developed a close bond with William's son, Louis. Furthermore, Eugenie's husband, Jack Brooksbank, reportedly holds more sympathy for William than for Harry.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice's loyalty to William is influenced by their awareness of the inner dynamics of the royal family, with information flowing through familiar channels, including from King Charles. As a consequence, both sisters have taken a firm stance in support of William, avoiding any form of gossip with Harry and Meghan Markle.
This allegiance was evident during a recent garden party where the sisters publicly stood by William. The strained relations were further highlighted when Prince Harry, once close to Eugenie, found himself isolated despite their previous bond. Eugenie didn't inform Harry about crucial family matters, such as King Charles's health issues, which Harry had to learn from the press.
Despite their alignment with William, the York sisters have managed to maintain a semblance of neutrality in the public eye, especially regarding the broader feud between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. Eugenie's continued cordiality with Harry and Meghan was evident when she visited their Montecito home in California and chatted with Harry during King Charles's coronation on May 6th, 2023.
Nonetheless, both Eugenie and Beatrice abstained from attending the Invictus Games' 10th-anniversary service earlier this month, which Harry had returned to the UK for.
Adding to the festive atmosphere at Royal Ascot were Zara and Mike Tindall. The couple appeared in high spirits, enjoying each other's company. They were accompanied by Carol and Mike Middleton, parents of the Princess of Wales, who made their first public appearance since Carol's cancer diagnosis. The Tindalls' presence, along with the Middletons, added a familiar touch to the event, showcasing unity and supportive spirit within the royal family.
In summary, the second day of Royal Ascot highlighted both the unity and underlying tensions within the British royal family. While Prince William and his close relatives enjoyed the event, the absence and isolation of Prince Harry underscored the ongoing familial rifts.
