Prince William’s approach to the current royal turbulence centres on safeguarding the institution rather than publicly shielding his cousins, according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.

Asked whether the Prince of Wales is protecting Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie amid scrutiny of their parents, Mr Fitzwilliams did not give a direct yes.

Instead, he told GB News: “Prince William is looking at the protection of the monarchy, an institution that’s in danger of being degraded by all this farce.”

It is true that the Waleses, in recent months, have maintained their focus on the Crown and avoided entanglement in controversies surrounding extended family members.

William has spoken about making changes to ensure the monarchy is “fit for purpose”, reinforcing the sense that decisions are being weighed primarily through the lens of institutional resilience.

Beatrice and Eugenie, who are not working royals, continue with their private careers and charitable interests and have not taken on expanded public roles.

Their standing within the family remains unchanged, but visibility has been carefully calibrated as their parents remain under intense public scrutiny.

Reporting in recent weeks has also pointed to potential housing moves involving their parents, though none have been confirmed by the Palace.

Prince William ‘looking to protect monarchy’ as cousins Beatrice and Eugenie deal with their parents’ fallout

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Over the past 48 hours, multiple outlets have suggested Prince Andrew could relocate from Royal Lodge to Frogmore Cottage, with separate claims that Sarah Ferguson could move into Adelaide Cottage once the Prince and Princess of Wales complete their own relocation within Windsor.

Other briefings have downplayed that scenario, reflecting live and contested negotiations.

In every version, the moves are presented as part of a broader effort to resolve long-running questions over residences while managing reputational risk.

Within that context, Mr Fitzwilliams’s comment is notable for what it avoids as much as for what it says.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice were stripped of their 24/7 security in 2011 | INSTAGRAM / PRINCESS EUGENIE

The commentator pivoted away from directly endorsing the idea that William is “protecting” his cousins, and instead stressed institutional protection.

The choice of words suggests an emphasis on safeguarding the monarchy’s credibility rather than intervening in the optics of any one branch of the family.

Prince William and Princess Kate’s team at Kensington Palace has consistently avoided public commentary on these specifics.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are cousins of Prince William | Getty

The Prince of Wales has instead drawn attention to frontline engagements and priorities such as mental health, homelessness initiatives, and international causes, while reiterating that change is on his agenda for the institution he will one day lead.

As for Beatrice and Eugenie, there is no indication of a shift to formal duties.

Their appearances remain occasional and family-centred, reflecting the long-signalled preference for a streamlined working roster.