King Charles may have firmly sidelined his disgraced brother, Prince Andrew, but he’s made it clear that the fallout shouldn’t swallow the next generation.
Determined to protect Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie from their father’s scandal, the 77-year-old monarch welcomed both nieces to the royal family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
The message was simple: whatever has happened, the family would present a united front.
The invitation came against the ongoing shadow of Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein — a saga that has left lasting damage.
Still, Charles appeared intent on keeping the spotlight off Beatrice and Eugenie, ensuring they remained part of the fold during the most visible royal moment of the year.
A Subtle Moment That Set Social Media Buzzing
While the family procession from St Mary Magdalene Church looked polished on the surface, social media users quickly zeroed in on one fleeting interaction.
Footage from Christmas morning showed Prince William walking beside his cousin Princess Eugenie — and seemingly doing everything possible not to acknowledge her.
As Eugenie kept pace, William focused intently on adjusting his scarf, avoiding eye contact before moving ahead to rejoin the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte.
To many online, the move looked familiar — almost rehearsed.
The Scarf That Launched a Thousand Theories
X (formerly Twitter) users wasted no time drawing comparisons to a moment from years earlier, when William appeared to do something similar to Meghan Markle during her first Christmas at Sandringham in 2018.
Back then, video clips showed Meghan attempting to strike up a conversation while William stayed locked onto his scarf, fiddling with it until he slipped into the waiting car.
This Christmas, viewers dubbed the moment “scarfing Eugenie,” with some insisting it’s William’s preferred way of managing interactions he’d rather avoid.
As one user put it, it’s his “go-to avoidance mechanism” when trust is thin.
A Body Language Expert Weighs In
According to body language expert Judi James, the scarf routine isn’t as random as it might seem.
She described William’s behavior as a deliberate “act of distraction,” often deployed when a potentially awkward encounter looms.
James noted that in the brief clip, William walks alongside Eugenie and Beatrice without glancing their way, his attention fixed squarely on the scarf.
She also pointed to a tense exchange at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral last September, when Andrew attempted to speak to William — prompting what she described as a “wary poker face” from the Prince of Wales.
In her view, the scarf offers William a polite escape hatch.
It allows him to remain civil while sidestepping social discomfort — and once he reaches a safer conversational zone, there’s even a hint of relief, marked by a small, self-congratulatory pat to his stomach.
Eugenie’s Own Quiet Break From Her Father
Adding another layer to the moment, reports suggest Princess Eugenie herself has cut off contact with Prince Andrew.
According to a source quoted by the Mail on Sunday, the estrangement is total — likened to the high-profile rift within the Beckham family.
“There is no contact at all,” the source said, claiming Eugenie has completely severed ties with her father in the wake of the scandal.
From Family Drama to Global Diplomacy
Away from royal awkwardness, Kensington Palace has confirmed Prince William is preparing for a significant overseas trip.
At the request of the UK government, he will make his first official visit to Saudi Arabia next month, traveling from February 9 to February 11.
A palace spokesman said the visit reflects strengthening trade, energy, and investment links between the two nations, as well as nearly 100 years of diplomatic relations.
While it’s William’s first time in Saudi Arabia, he’s previously visited neighboring UAE and Kuwait.
A Packed Start to 2026 on Home Soil
Before heading abroad, William has barely paused for breath.
This week alone, he carried out engagements in Bristol highlighting the city’s role as a sustainability and innovation hub.
During the visit, he tested a futuristic mobility scooter at a robotics lab and met Earthshot Prize finalists behind a cutting-edge filtration system designed to trap microplastics before they reach oceans and waterways.
The £199 Matter unit — already installed at William’s offices and homes — was a finalist in last year’s Earthshot competition.
He was also introduced to Britain’s most powerful supercomputer, now being used to develop treatments for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
Romance on Display in Scotland
Earlier in the week, William and the Princess of Wales carried out a joint engagement in Scotland, where they are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
Visiting Stirling and Falkirk, the couple leaned into local traditions — taking curling lessons, touring a tartan-weaving studio, and greeting crowds during a walkabout.
Royal watchers couldn’t help noticing the couple’s easy affection.
With Kate now in remission from cancer, the pair appeared relaxed and connected, exchanging subtle touches and warm glances.
At one point, William wrapped an arm around Kate as they posed for a photo, sending fans into a collective swoon.
What’s Next?
With a delicate family balance at home, a major diplomatic visit abroad, and a relentless schedule of public duties, Prince William’s year is already gathering pace.
Whether adjusting scarves or shaking hands on the world stage, the future King seems intent on keeping control — even when the moments get uncomfortable.
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