The News
FURIOUS!
Meghan and Harry Seething as Eugenie and Beatrice Take Charge at St. Paul's
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice caused quite a stir during the Platinum Jubilee service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral by strategically holding their ground and refusing to budge from their seats.
According to royal commentator Richard Eden, this move was a deliberate attempt to avoid any potentially awkward encounters with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly incensed by the seating arrangements at St. Paul's, but their attempts to switch seats were thwarted by Prince Andrew's daughters.
During a discussion on Palace Confidential, Eden shed light on the seating dynamics at St. Paul's, highlighting how the princesses stood their ground to prevent any unwelcome photo opportunities with the Duke and Duchess.
When asked about the seating protocol, Eden revealed that assigned seating was indeed in place, leading to Eugenie and Beatrice maintaining their positions and not making way for Harry and Meghan to join them.
The strategic positioning of the princesses meant that Harry and Meghan were left trailing behind during the procession to exit the cathedral, ensuring they were not captured in the same frame as other senior royals such as Prince Charles or the Cambridges.
This deliberate distancing from the core royal family members was seen as a significant snub towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Royal expert Richard Eden expressed his astonishment at the seating arrangement, noting that despite efforts to acknowledge Harry and Meghan in the court circular, their placement at St. Paul's clearly disregarded traditional precedence.
The couple found themselves relegated to the second row, behind even the Queen's distant cousins, a move that raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the underlying tensions within the royal family.
The strained relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry was palpable as they sat several rows apart at the Thanksgiving service, with no visible interaction between the brothers.
Observers noted William's apparent avoidance of eye contact with his younger sibling, underscoring the ongoing rift between them.
The grandeur of the event at St. Paul's Cathedral served as a poignant reminder to Prince Harry of the sacrifices he has made by stepping back from royal duties.
Speculation arose regarding the intentional nature of the princesses' seating arrangement, with suggestions that it was a premeditated move to assert their position within the royal hierarchy.
Royal correspondent Victoria Murphy chimed in, emphasizing that the seating plan was likely decided well in advance, indicating a calculated decision to keep Harry and Meghan at a distance from the core royal family members.
Upon their arrival at St. Paul's Cathedral, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were met with a mixed reception, receiving both cheers and boos from the gathered crowd.
Despite the contrasting reactions, the couple maintained their composure, exchanging smiles as they made their way inside and greeted the clergy present.
Sky News commentators highlighted the complex dynamics at play, with Rhiannon Mills alluding to the underlying tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family, framing the situation as a significant snub.