Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie continue to share a close bond, according to royal insiders, despite recent reports suggesting a rift between the cousins.
Sources have dismissed claims made that the Duke of Sussex was angered after his cousin was photographed with a Sussex critic outside a London pub two years ago.
The image, which showed Eugenie briefly hugging broadcaster Piers Morgan, had sparked speculation given the presenter's history as an outspoken critic of Harry and Meghan.
"The Duke remains close to Princess Eugenie. They always have and always will be," a source told People magazine.
Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie 'remain close' as insiders deny royal rift
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The rumours of a falling-out have been firmly rejected by those close to the pair, confirming their relationship remains as strong as ever despite Harry's move to California.
The close relationship between the cousins has been well-documented over the years, with Eugenie being the only member of the Royal Family to appear in Harry and Meghan's 2022 Netflix docuseries.
This appearance underscored the depth of their connection, which has remained intact despite Harry's geographical distance from the UK.
In the documentary, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex fondly recalled a memorable Halloween night out in 2016 with Eugenie and her future husband, Jack Brooksbank.
Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie had previously always been closePAThis rare glimpse into their early relationship highlighted the special bond they share.
The cousins were also spotted together at the Super Bowl in Inglewood, California, in 2022, marking one of their first public outings together in the US following Harry and Meghan's relocation.
Home video footage in the Netflix series showed Harry and Eugenie cycling together beneath palm trees and Eugenie splashing in the ocean with Prince Archie.
The family connection between the cousins extends to their children, with Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's sons August, four, and Ernest, 22 months, being close in age to Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Princess Eugenie and Meghan Markle posing together for Halloween in 2016NetflixEugenie and Jack married in 2018, just months after Harry and Meghan's royal wedding, further cementing their close relationship.
The couples have maintained contact despite geographical separation, with Eugenie and Jack dividing their time between the UK and Portugal for Jack's private sector job.
Reports indicate that Harry and Meghan visited them in Portugal after the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany.
Further strengthening these ties, reports emerged last autumn that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex purchased a holiday home in Portugal, creating a convenient European base for family gatherings.
Harry and Meghan are close with Jack and EugeniePAThis arrangement would facilitate regular meetups with Eugenie's family during their European visits.
Despite tabloid reports suggesting Prince Harry is isolated, sources indicate he has fully embraced his California lifestyle while maintaining strong UK connections.
He continues to pursue his passions through the Invictus Games and Archewell Foundation, alongside private investments in companies reflecting his humanitarian values.
At home in Montecito, Harry and Meghan have created what one source describes as a "happy bubble" centred around their children. "The kids are adorable. They're incredibly smart, articulate and fun," an insider told the outlet.
