Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Face Royal Christmas Dilemma as Poll Ratings Struggle to Recover

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie face mounting scrutiny over whether they will join the royal family at Sandringham for Christmas following a turbulent period in the public spotlight. Recent tracking data reveals the royal sisters are still navigating negative net favorability ratings, leaving courtiers and observers divided on their high-profile holiday attendance.

According to survey figures compiled by YouGov, the sisters remain underwater with the public despite modest recent gains. Beatrice sits at a 29% like rating against a 31% dislike rating, while Eugenie tracks closely behind with 28% approval and 31% disapproval.

While those metrics reflect a two-point recovery since July, they remain a sharp drop from their pre-summer standing, where net ratings had consistently stayed at or above +12 since polling tracked them starting in May 2024. That sudden drop has cast a shadow over their annual traditions.

Why Did Public Sentiment Shift Against Beatrice and Eugenie?

The downturn in public favor stems directly from the ongoing fallout surrounding their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. While he maintains his innocence and denies all wrongdoing, the controversy continues to impact perceptions of the York family.

Throughout the past year, both sisters have noticeably scaled back their appearances alongside working royals. Their public absences were felt at landmark gatherings that traditionally define the royal calendar.

• Skipped the formal Easter service at Windsor
• Missed Royal Ascot festivities
• Did not attend the Buckingham Palace garden parties
• Attended only one major royal event: the wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling on June 6

Eugenie also shifted her personal focus to family life after welcoming a baby daughter, Adelaide. Yet the sisters’ prolonged absence from official duties has heightened questions surrounding their next steps.

“Some feel Christmas is about family and they should be welcomed with open arms, while others think a quieter Christmas away from the spotlight would be wiser for now.”

A Reality Check on Royal Standing

A widespread assumption among royal followers is that Beatrice and Eugenie have seen an irreversible drop with the British public. The underlying polling data tells a more nuanced story: while negative sentiment currently outweighs positive views, their trajectories have begun to climb upward by two points from their low point earlier in the summer.

Comparing the Numbers: Beatrice vs. Eugenie

The gap between the sisters remains minimal, with public perception moving almost entirely in tandem across key measures.

Sandringham or Solitude: What Comes Next?

Last year, the York sisters joined the royal family for the traditional Christmas morning walk and private celebrations at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. With the holiday season approaching, royal watchers are locked in debate over whether history will repeat itself.

One side argues that the Sandringham retreat remains primarily a private family gathering where blood ties should take precedence over public polling. Advocates say an invite demonstrates internal family solidarity during personal and reputational challenges.

Critics counter that Sandringham is inextricably tied to public spectacle and press coverage. A high-profile appearance alongside senior working royals could invite unwanted attention, suggesting a private, low-key celebration elsewhere might be the wiser tactical choice.

💬 The royal estate walk at Sandringham remains one of the most visible traditions of the entire year.

✨ Whether family unity outweighs optics will determine where the York sisters spend their holiday.

👇 Should Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie join the royal family at Sandringham this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.