It might not be wrong to say that the royal family made an attempt to show unity and discipline during their Easter walk, but some historians and experts witnessed a growing fault line in the company.
The Epstein scandal undoubtedly cast a long shadow over royal plans, including the king’s official visit to the United States.
Prince Edward’s secret visit to Andrew at his new home ahead of Easter is said to have been planned by the monarch to ease tensions over Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who were forced to make a separate Easter schedule to avoid the royal gathering.
Duchess Sophie, Edward’s wife, missed the event due to ill health, but it was also seen as a strategic move to balance things out amid growing tensions in the family.
Their absence is a stark reminder of the fault lines that threaten to tear the company apart.
An insider claimed: “Duchess Sophie’s absence was a deliberate move as she always says yes to the King.”
“She and her daughters skipped the event as part of a strategy to maintain balance in the family and keep the monarch’s wishes at the fore,” they added.
There are also claims that the future monarch, William, has already made it clear that he will not attend any gatherings where members of the York family are present.
But at the same time, Charles has already announced to invite Beatrice and Eugenie to attend Royal Ascot with himself and Camilla.
This contradicts stories believed to have been planted by Williams’ camp earlier this year, who said they would not be leaving.
Ascot is one of the monarchy’s most visible backdrops, a highly choreographed display of royal unity, hierarchy and legitimacy.
To include the York princesses would be a clear statement that their uncle still sees them as in the public fold.
According to some royal experts, Easter is an opportunity for the 77-year-old to explain that the modern monarchy will be a force for the public good.
