The Prince of Wales has made his stance on his two cousins very clear.

Prince William has made his position regarding his two cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, very “direct” following the scandal involving both their parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson. The former couple were plunged into further humiliation after new details about their association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein emerged.

Andrew and Fergie now have the status of commoners as the King has stripped them of their titles. However, while there has been considerable discussion about what will happen to their two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, the Palace has made it clear that their parents’ misfortune will not affect them in any way.

At the same time, sources have claimed that the King wants to protect his nieces from their parents’ downfall, and it seems Prince William has the same approach.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are very close to the rest of the royals (Image: Getty)

Writing in Hello! Magazine, royal author Robert Jobson said: “Those close to him [William] say he is weary of the hysteria around Andrew. The outrage. The noise. The moral grandstanding. His position is direct: Beatrice and Eugenie must not be punished for their father’s alleged sins.”

He added: “Necessary action was taken – by King Charles, in consultation with his eldest son and heir – and it had to be. This is not sentimentality. It is judgment. Accountability belongs to Andrew, not to his daughters.”

It comes as news reports alleged that Princess Catherine has sent “personal invitations” to her cousins-in-law for this year’s Christmas carol service in a bid to keep the Royal Family united.

Princess Catherine is returning for the fifth consecutive year to host her annual Christmas Carol Concert, which this year celebrates the “power of love” with major celebrities in attendance.

Royal commentator Neil Sean told Fox News: “Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie received personal invitations for this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ from Princess Catherine’s office.

“This is Catherine’s project, and she has the final say — very similar to the way Prince William operates Earthshot. Above all, yes, the Royal Family wants to be seen as united amid what has been a very difficult year.”

But he warned: “This puts the sisters in a very difficult dilemma. If they don’t attend, it looks like they’re snubbing a prestigious invite. If they do attend, they know there could be a media circus with them at the centre of attention.”

Kensington Palace was contacted for comment.