According to the paper, King Charles would prefer the couple to remain “invisible” at family gatherings, arriving and leaving discreetly if they attend at all.

Beatrice and Eugenie caught in the middle

The dilemma puts Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, in a sensitive position. Eugenie spent last Christmas with her husband Jack Brooksbank’s family, while Beatrice attended Sandringham. The only other time either sister missed the tradition was during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dampier said: “If it turns out they are not invited, or decide themselves not to go, then it makes it very difficult for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. They may feel it would be unfair of them to go when their parents aren’t there and it simply rubs salt in their wounds. The king has a soft spot for both Beatrice and Eugenie and feels sorry for the situation they are in. So it’s a real dilemma for him and one he could do without.”

Beatrice ‘loses hope’ of royal role

Meanwhile, friends have claimed Beatrice has “lost all hope” of becoming a working royal, despite her desire to support King Charles and Prince William. A source close to her told the Mail: “Beatrice does want to be a working royal and she wants to do royal events to help her uncle because she’d enjoy them and she would be good at the job.

“Charles apparently appreciates this. There had at one stage been a feeling that Bea could have been lined up one day. She’s never put a foot wrong. And she shouldn’t be punished for the sins of her father. But the king’s courtiers are concerned Andrew could try to ‘get in via the back door’ by exerting influence over her.”

Buckingham Palace and Beatrice’s representatives have been contacted for comment.