Beatrice, Eugenie's royal futures laid bare as they 'fill in' for Kate Middleton

Prince William received an outpouring of support as his cousins rallied around during a rainy garden party at Buckingham Palace.

The Prince of Wales was joined by Peter Phillips, Zara and Mike Tindall, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Their latest attendance raised questions over their position in the royal family, owing to Kate Middleton’s indefinite absence from public eye as she continues preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.

According to HELLO!’s royal editor Emily Nash, there are currently no plans underway to promote William and Prince Harry’s cousins to the position of working royals.

She said: "Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their cousins were at the Garden Party to support the Prince of Wales because the Princess is continuing her recovery, but they are not taking on official roles.

"They've attended royal engagements in the past, sometimes 'in attendance' with the late Queen, for example, so they might appear at other events over the summer as members of the King's family."

A recent report from the Daily Mail also revealed King Charles’ plans to ask Beatrice to accompany him to Japanese state visit next month.