By Isabella Torregiani
2:14pm PST, Feb 26, 2026
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Sources say
Prince William and
Kate Middleton haven't developed a "close" relationship with Princesses
Beatrice and
Eugenie — a divide that could grow as the latest
Jeffrey Epstein files reveal the family's ties to the late financier.
Keep reading for more on their relationship … MORE:
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The latest release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice has raised concerns about how much Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie knew regarding their parents' connections to the late convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Following
King Charles' decision to strip his brother
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his military and royal titles, experts have speculated that
Prince William might take a similar stance with his cousins.
A source told the
Daily Mail, "William and Kate [Middleton] don't appear to be close to either of the sisters. They haven't got that much in common."
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As more documents are released,
Prince William is reportedly evaluating Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's future roles within The Firm.
The source added, "William has made a point of inviting Beatrice and Eugenie, and other cousins, to help him host a Buckingham Palace garden party once a year. But there's no sign of him ever wanting his cousins to be taxpayer-funded working royals. That's been made pretty clear."
"Eugenie, particularly, seems to be closer to [
Prince]
Harry than she is to William," the source continued.
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Experts have also weighed in on Princess Eugenie's friendship with
Prince Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 alongside
Meghan Markle. Royal commentator
Richard Fitzwilliams said, "We know that the sisters, especially Eugenie, were friendly with the Sussexes, though reports vary as to whether this remains the case."
"It is therefore unsurprising that [Princess] Catherine appears to have been cautious in her relations with them," he continued.
Fitzwilliams noted that, despite their accomplishments, the princesses need to tread carefully. "The sisters face an enormous challenge, being happily married, well adjusted and with careers, but clearly wanting to do more charity work as princesses. However, their parents are engulfed in a very serious crisis which may prove absolutely cataclysmic."
