King Charles ‘will be sad’ over Princess Beatrice’s Christmas decision, ex-royal staffer says

Princess Beatrice has chosen to skip Christmas at Sandringham with the Royal Family to go skiing abroad with her husband and children instead, breaking an ‘unwritten rule’

King Charles is likely to feel ‘sad’ over Princess Beatrice’s decision, which breaches an “unwritten rule” set by his late mother, according to a former member of the Royal Household.
The festive season typically brings families together, and many have been travelling to spend time with their loved ones. However, one young Royal will be journeying away from her family this year.

Princess Beatrice, reportedly torn between Christmas invitations from her disgraced parents Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, and an official invite to join the royals at Sandringham, has opted to sidestep the dilemma by embarking on a skiing trip abroad with her husband and children.

This choice is likely to cause some disappointment, suggests King Charles’s former butler Grant Harrold. In an exclusive chat with Reach PLC, Grant shared: “King Charles will definitely be sad that Beatrice will miss the celebrations. He’s extremely fond of his niece and I’m sure he would have wanted to spend time with her over the holidays after such a difficult time.

“He’s well aware that she’s been caught up in the upset of everything that’s happened with her father – despite it having nothing to do with her. However he will support her decision, and will just want her to do what’s best for her.”

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Beatrice is expected to spend the holiday overseas with her husband(Image: Getty)

In previous years, an invitation to Sandringham was not something one could easily dismiss. However, Grant notes that things have become somewhat more relaxed in recent times: “The late Queen liked the family to be all together at Christmas. It was almost an unwritten rule that everyone had to be there. But this shows how it’s a very different set up now Charles is King, it’s not as rigid as it once was.”

Grant also believes that Beatrice will undoubtedly find a moment to call home from her mountain retreat: “I’m sure she’ll have a wonderful time. I’m sure they will still send messages or do voice calls on the day. Princess Beatrice is very close to her uncle, so I’m sure they will still speak to wish each other a happy Christmas on the big day.”

Beatrice’s father is anticipated to spend his final festive season at Royal Lodge before he and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, vacate the premises. It is understood that he has not been invited to Sandringham this year.

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There will be fewer royals at Sandringham this year(Image: Getty)

Despite his ties with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, the ex-duke and his former spouse had previously been permitted to join the traditional Christmas walk at the Norfolk estate.

However, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle staying put in California, and Prince Andrew in disgraceful seclusion at Windsor’s Royal Lodge, the number of Royals exchanging their customary humorous gifts on Christmas Day will be significantly fewer.

“The Royal Family will definitely miss Beatrice and her family this year,” says Grant. “They’re a really big part of the family.

“Beatrice also has a very good sense of humour, so she would have brought a lot to the Christmas lunch table. Kate and William will miss her as well, as they’re very close. But I’m sure the King and the rest of the family will be happy that Beatrice is doing what she wants and what’s right for her family this year.”

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The former duke will not be welcome at Sandringham(Image: Getty)

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Last year however, the Yorks tactfully kept their distance owing to revelations about Andrew’s connection with a Chinese businessman whom security services have branded a spy.

In October it was revealed that Andrew would lose his prince title whilst arrangements have been put in place for his eviction from Royal Lodge, the 30-room estate he has occupied on the Windsor grounds. He and his former wife must leave the residence by the end of next October.

Andrew maintains his innocence regarding any misconduct connected to his association with multi-millionaire sex offender Epstein.