Princess Beatrice's recent appearance at a Spotify event in Cannes has sparked speculation about a potential rivalry with Meghan Markle.
The Princess of York was photographed attending Spotify's intimate evening of music and culture at the prestigious Cannes Lions Festival in 2024, a move that has raised eyebrows given the streaming platform's highly publicized split with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex the previous year. Beatrice was seen posing alongside Spotify's Chief Public Affairs Officer, Dusty Jenkins, during the event, fueling rumors about her relationship with the company. This has not gone unnoticed by royal commentators and experts who have been quick to analyze the potential implications of the princess's Spotify appearance.
Speaking on the GB News Royal Record podcast, royal correspondents noted that Beatrice's attendance at the Spotify event was particularly striking and suggested it could be indicative of the current state of her relationship with her cousins, Prince Harry and Prince William. Seeing Beatrice at the Spotify event, cozying up with a Spotify executive, raises questions about her current relationship with Harry and Meghan. Co-host Cameron Walker acknowledged the interesting nature of the situation, pointing out that Beatrice has been seen becoming more engaged with the working royals in recent months, contrasting with previous reports of her closeness to Harry and Meghan.
"We've seen her support at Prince William's garden party," Walker explained, "and there are rumors that they might start doing more official public engagements, not as working royals, but helping out when needed." He added that this shift would have been unheard of a couple of years ago when all reports suggested she was closer to Harry and Meghan. However, Walker was quick to note that Beatrice doesn't need to take sides in the ongoing tensions within the royal family. "I think she can maintain good relationships with both cousins, Harry and William, despite their differences," he said.
The Spotify connection remains a point of intrigue. In June 2023, the streaming giant announced that its partnership with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had come to an end, with Meghan Markle's much-anticipated Archetypes podcast reportedly leaving executives underwhelmed. The fallout from this split was particularly acrimonious, with Bill Simmons, head of Spotify's podcast innovation and monetization division, allegedly referring to Meghan and Harry as "grifters." This backdrop has inevitably led to speculation about whether Beatrice's Spotify appearance could be seen as a slight against the Sussexes or a sign of a growing rift between the cousins.
"But is that going to upset Harry and Meghan? I don't think Harry will care too much, but will there be some rivalry between Meghan and Princess Beatrice? We'll have to wait and see," Walker mused. Of course, it's possible that Beatrice's presence at the Spotify event was simply a coincidence and that she has no intention of launching a podcast or aligning herself with the company in any significant way. As Walker pointed out, "I suspect she is not going to suddenly launch a podcast like Princess Eugenie, but watch this space."
The royal family's internal dynamics continue to be a subject of intense media scrutiny and speculation, with even the slightest moves sparking a flurry of analysis and debate. In the case of Beatrice's Spotify appearance, the potential for a rivalry with Meghan Markle is undoubtedly intriguing, particularly given the ongoing tensions within the House of Windsor. However, it's important to remember that the royal family's relationships are often complex and multifaceted, and appearances can be deceiving. As Walker rightly noted, Beatrice may well be able to maintain good relationships with both of her cousins, navigating the delicate balance between family loyalty and public perception. After all, the princess has long been known for her ability to steer clear of the intense spotlight that has often shone on her younger relatives.
