Prince Harry Faces Fresh Setback as Report Claims Once-Close Bond With Princess Eugenie Has Faded

Prince Harry could return to Britain expecting to rebuild bridges with the Royal Family, only to discover that one of his strongest former royal relationships may no longer be what it once was.

As speculation grows over how Harry and Meghan Markle will fit into royal and social circles following their reported UK return, a source has claimed that the Duke of Sussex is no longer particularly close to Princess Eugenie — once regarded as one of his most dependable family allies.

The reported change could be significant. Eugenie maintained a relationship with Harry and Meghan long after tensions emerged between the Sussexes and other senior members of the Royal Family.

Harry and Eugenie were once particularly close

Following Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties, Eugenie remained noticeably connected to the couple.

She was the only member of Harry’s family to feature in the Sussexes’ 2022 Netflix documentary series and was among the first royal relatives to visit them in California.

Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, also stayed at Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghan’s former British home, following the birth of their first son, August, in 2021.

Both families also have connections to Portugal, making the latest claims about their relationship particularly striking.

According to an insider, however, that closeness has diminished.

“Harry and Meghan are not so close to Beatrice and Eugenie anymore, and Harry did not see Eugenie over the summer in Portugal,” the source claimed.

The insider added: “Beatrice and Eugenie are not even in touch — and Eugenie was once so close to him.”

The claims have not been publicly confirmed by Harry, Meghan, Beatrice or Eugenie.

Report claims Harry’s old social circle has diminished

The alleged distance from the York sisters comes amid another claim that Harry now has “very few friends left from before.”

That could present an additional challenge as the Sussexes attempt to re-establish themselves in Britain after six years living predominantly outside the country.

The source suggested Harry and Meghan would need to “make some serious social inroads and gatherings to get back in the fold.”

There had previously been speculation that Harry could lean on Beatrice for support, particularly if the Sussexes establish themselves in the Cotswolds. But the latest account suggests neither York sister should automatically be considered part of a Sussex-aligned royal camp.

Portugal visit raises further questions

The timing is particularly notable because Eugenie and Harry both own properties in Portugal.

Eugenie recently welcomed her third child, Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank, who was born in Lisbon. Yet despite Harry and Meghan also recently spending time in Portugal, sources have suggested there was no meeting between Harry and Eugenie.

If accurate, that would represent a considerable change from the years when Eugenie appeared to remain close to the Sussexes despite the wider royal fallout.

Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain has already fuelled questions about their relationships with King Charles, Prince William, Queen Camilla and other members of the family.

But the reported cooling of Harry’s relationship with Eugenie adds another complication. Rather than returning to the same network of royal allies and old friends they left behind, the Sussexes may discover that six years away have significantly reshaped their place within Britain’s royal and social circles.