Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were reportedly barred from Royal Ascot in Britain this week, in a move said to have left Prince Andrew's daughters 'completely blindsided' and one that royal author Andrew Lownie argues reflects Prince William's growing influence inside the monarchy. If true, it is a small decision with a very public sting, because Royal Ascot is not just another fixture on the calendar but one of the family's most visible rituals.
The report follows a longer period of pressure around the York family, with Andrew still denying wrongdoing and William increasingly described as the figure pushing a harder line on questions of reputation and risk. DailyStar UK also points to an older pattern, with reports last year that William was already 'calling the shots' in efforts to shield King Charles from criticism over his handling of his brother.
