Prince Harry visited New York City last month for the UN General Assembly, sparking speculation about whether he might reconnect with family members living nearby, specifically his cousin Princess Beatrice.
However, it appears Beatrice was not open to the idea of a meeting. According to inside sources, she declined Harry's invitation. Prince Harry arrived in New York on September 18th and left on the 24th. His trip primarily centered around events connected to his advocacy for environmental and mental health causes. Given that this was his first visit to the city since stepping down as a senior working royal, many wondered if he would find time to meet with his relatives.
Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have lived in New York for over a year, residing in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood with their one-year-old daughter, Sienna. Considering the close bond Harry and Beatrice have shared as cousins, especially through their marriages, the idea of a friendly reunion seemed plausible.
Despite Harry’s continued cordial relationship with his uncle, Prince Andrew, and aunt, Sarah Ferguson (Beatrice's parents), things have become more complicated since his controversial move to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020. Rumors surfaced that Harry reached out to Beatrice during his trip, hoping for a private meeting over coffee or dinner. However, sources claim that Beatrice flatly declined the invitation. She reportedly didn’t want to be drawn into the ongoing tensions between Harry and other members of the royal family. While Beatrice respects her cousin, as Prince Andrew's eldest daughter, she is understandably cautious about being associated with any controversy that could harm her own reputation.
The tension between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the British royal family remains high, with both sides publicly airing their grievances. Most recently, excerpts from Harry's upcoming memoir, set for release in January, are said to include harsh criticisms of his family, particularly regarding their parenting abilities and their response to the racism Meghan reportedly faced within the institution. Given this, Beatrice’s reluctance to meet with Harry is understandable. Engaging with him at this time could easily be misinterpreted, especially since she has been working hard to maintain a positive public image.
In recent years, Beatrice has made significant efforts to distance herself from the scandals surrounding her father, Prince Andrew, particularly his connection to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She has taken on more charitable responsibilities and has appeared at numerous events alongside senior royals, such as Queen Elizabeth, the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Countess of Wessex. Beatrice likely doesn’t want to risk negative headlines by being linked to the ongoing Sussex drama, as it could undermine her efforts to rebuild her public image.
It's no secret that tensions within the royal family have deepened due to Harry and Meghan's actions. While Queen Elizabeth has remained outwardly supportive of her grandson, other family members, including Prince Charles, Prince William, and other senior royals, reportedly feel betrayed by Harry and Meghan’s public criticism and their involvement in commercial ventures that seemingly violate the royal code of neutrality in public service. Opinions vary on whether the couple should be criticized for seeking more independence, but for those closest to the throne, their actions have been viewed as disrespectful.
From the outside, Beatrice appears to want to distance herself from this ongoing family rift. It makes sense for her to avoid a situation that could be perceived as her taking sides. With the contents of Harry’s memoir still under wraps, a meeting with him could lead to uncomfortable questions about what was discussed, especially if the book contains further damaging claims. As a mother and a figure focused on charitable work, Beatrice likely didn't want to disrupt her busy schedule or get entangled in such a contentious situation. Declining the meeting was probably the safest option.
Despite this, many royal fans were disappointed not to see a reunion between Harry and Beatrice on American soil, even briefly. As cousins who have attended each other's weddings and weathered many family challenges together, there is still affection between them, according to past reports. However, with Harry's book looming and the uncertainty surrounding its contents, Beatrice’s cautious approach is understandable. She is right to protect herself from becoming collateral damage as the rest of the royal family braces for what may come next.
