In just over a week, the Royal Family will gather to celebrate the wedding of Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips, to his partner Harriet Sperling in a private ceremony in Cirencester. King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are among the guests, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly not been invited.
It has been reported that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will attend the nuptials on June 6, but recent allegations against their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, have cast doubt on their presence. The sisters are said to be concerned about drawing attention away from the happy couple.
Police Investigation Widens
On Friday, Thames Valley Police confirmed it had expanded its investigation into the former prince after allegations emerged that he behaved inappropriately toward a woman at Royal Ascot in 2002. That year, the late Queen Elizabeth II and other senior royals attended Royal Ascot during her Golden Jubilee. It is unclear whether the claim was reported to police at the time or more recently, according to The Sunday Times.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson told the Mirror: "We cannot go into specifics of the investigation, but we are following all reasonable lines of inquiry." The force is also considering allegations of sexual misconduct in its inquiry into potential misconduct in public office.
Royal Commentator's View
Royal commentator Tom Sykes of The Royalist believes Beatrice and Eugenie "will likely skip" the wedding, as their presence could shift focus to their parents' indiscretions. He said the sisters are "mortified all over again" by the latest developments and do not want to overshadow Peter and Harriet's special day. A source told Sykes that the princesses would "never want to overshadow the bride and groom's happy day" and are still undecided, adding that their attendance was "never concrete."
However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond disagrees. She told the Mirror: "There will inevitably be some interest in Beatrice and Eugenie if they are guests at the wedding, but not enough to detract from the bride and groom in any major way. They are first cousins of Peter and have always had a good relationship."
Bond added: "I don't think Peter would feel that the alleged sins of Andrew and Sarah should be visited on their daughters, who have not been accused of doing anything wrong. Beatrice and Eugenie are going through an incredibly tough time in their lives, and I think their wider family is determined to stay true to their promise that the women will always be included."
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