Princess Eugenie accused of playing palace politics for personal gain

Princess Eugenie is once again under the royal spotlight, with mounting speculation about her shifting alliances within the Firm. 

According to royal watchers, the Duke of York’s daughter may be strategically stepping back from her previously close relationship with cousin Prince Harry raising eyebrows across both camps of royal fandom.

Insiders suggest Eugenie’s growing distance from Harry and Meghan Markle could be part of a long-game effort to align herself more closely with Prince William and the future of the monarchy. 

With King Charles gradually reducing his public duties and Prince William poised to eventually take the reins, she is thought to be eyeing a more prominent role within the royal fold should the opportunity arise.

Royal commentators point out that Eugenie, whose father Prince Andrew continues to cast a long shadow over the family, may be seeking to rebrand her image. 

Aligning with the Prince and Princess of Wales, whose popularity remains high, could be a tactical move to cement her standing in a future streamlined monarchy.

"Her recent behaviour has sparked whispers," one royal expert said. 

"There’s a noticeable shift in where her loyalties seem to lie some see it as survival, others as pure ambition."

While neither Princess nor the Palace has commented on the speculation, fans have noticed the absence of recent public displays of camaraderie between her and the Sussexes once considered her closest royal allies. 

"She’s simply not willing to risk her own standing by staying closely aligned with someone who’s openly critical of the institution she may one day serve more formally," said one observer.

Although aware of how her actions might be perceived, Eugenie is reportedly unfazed by whispers that she’s acting out of self-interest.