Princess Eugenie Might Spend Christmas With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

For many, the holidays are a time to look forward to an abundance of cozy meals and sentimental traditions. However, for some, the time is also rife with complicated family dynamics—whether it be relatives who simply don't get along or heated topics of conversation. Such tensions can affect anyone, all the way up to celebrity couples and even royal families, as is the case for the British monarchy.

Prince Harry's years-long feud with Prince William and estrangement from his father, King Charles III, has meant that he and his wife, Meghan Markle, are left out of royal engagements, including Christmas at Sandringham. And this year, it appears their rift is affecting another royal family member.

Princess Eugenie was reportedly invited to spend Christmas with Harry and Meghan in Montecito, California. This is the second-holiday engagement that she, her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their two kids, 3-year-old August and 1-year-old Ernest, have been invited to this year. The family has also been welcomed to the royals' traditional celebrations at Sandringham. Now, it appears she is facing a Christmas dilemma and trying to balance both proposals.

A source told The Express, “Harry and Meghan have invited Eugenie and Jack to join them in California during the holidays. It’s a very difficult position for Eugenie because she has also been invited to Sandringham.”

The source continued: “Eugenie is in a difficult position because she’s always been close to Harry, but she is mindful of how that relationship could affect her standing with the rest of her family. She is always trying to manage a difficult balancing act, which can become quite tiresome at times.”

This isn't the first time Eugenie has found herself in a tug-of-war between Harry and the royal family. A source spoke about the princess being in a "difficult spot" back in October. She is also reportedly Charles's go-to when he wants to check in on how Harry is doing.

Although the jury is still out on whether Eugenie plans to accept her cousin's invitation, the insider added that she is considering being in the U.S. closer to the New Year so that her children and Harry's children, 5-year-old Prince Archie and 3-year-old Princess Lilibet, can strengthen their relationships.

“It would be so nice for the children to spend time with their cousins,” the source told the outlet. “The diary is very tight over the holidays, but there might be a slot free around New Year’s time for everyone to come together at some point.”

Eugenie also likely wants cousin time of her own, as she and Harry have remained close. Most recently, Harry and Meghan purchased a home in Portugal, where Eugenie also owns a residence. The acquisition suggests Harry and Meghan intend to make more frequent visits to Europe.

“Eugenie and Harry were at one point almost inseparable,” the source concluded. “They have maintained a bond in recent years and are keen for their children to share a close family connection as they grow up.”

Read the original article on InStyle