When people talk about a Prince William cousin, they usually default to the high-profile drama of Prince Harry’s kids or maybe the York sisters. But that’s barely scratching the surface of a family tree that’s honestly more like a tangled forest. If you’re looking for the "inner circle," you have to look past the Buckingham Palace balcony. You’ve got to look at the Spencers, the Phillipses, and the Tindalls. It’s a massive group.
The British Royal Family is often portrayed as this tiny, isolated unit, but William’s extended family is actually quite broad, spanning both the aristocratic Spencers and the more "down-to-earth" (well, for royals) Windsors. Honestly, some of these cousins are closer to him than his own brother right now. It's a weird dynamic.
The Windsor Side: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall
Peter Phillips is the oldest Prince William cousin and, by many accounts, the one he treats most like a big brother. Born to Princess Anne, Peter doesn't have a title. That was a deliberate choice by Anne to give him a "normal" life, which basically meant he could go into sports marketing without a "His Royal Highness" tag trailing him around.
He’s often seen as the peacemaker.
When things got incredibly tense at Prince Philip’s funeral, it was Peter who stood between William and Harry in the procession. It wasn't just for optics; he's been the buffer for years. Then you have Zara Tindall. If you've ever seen photos of William looking genuinely relaxed, Zara is usually in the frame. She’s a world-class equestrian, an Olympic silver medalist, and remarkably blunt. There’s a specific kind of bond there—Zara and William are close in age and their kids, like Mia Tindall and Prince George, are growing up as a tight-knit squad.
Princess Beatrice and Eugenie: The Complex Middle Ground
Then we get to the daughters of Prince Andrew.
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Beatrice and Eugenie occupy a strange space in the ecosystem of a Prince William cousin. For a long time, there were rumors of a "cold war" between the households, mostly centered around the "slimmed-down monarchy" idea that King Charles (and William) supports. If the monarchy shrinks, the York sisters lose their peripheral roles.
But things change.
Since Kate Middleton and King Charles faced their respective health battles in early 2024, Beatrice and Eugenie have stepped up. You’ll see them at garden parties supporting William. It’s a shift from "distant relatives" to "essential backup." Beatrice, specifically, has developed a very sophisticated public persona, moving away from the "fascinator memes" of the 2010s to becoming a serious advocate for dyslexia awareness.
The Spencer Cousins: The Althorp Connection
Most people forget that William is half Spencer.
On the side of his late mother, Princess Diana, he has cousins who are effectively British A-listers in their own right. Lady Kitty Spencer, Lady Eliza, and Lady Amelia Spencer are the daughters of Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer. They grew up mostly in South Africa, away from the London paparazzi lens, which gave them a very different vibe compared to the Windsor cousins.
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Kitty Spencer is a legitimate fashion powerhouse. She’s a global ambassador for Dolce & Gabbana. When she got married in Italy back in 2021, the lack of William and Catherine’s presence made headlines, but it’s mostly put down to logistics and security rather than a family feud. Honestly, the Spencer cousins represent the glamorous, fashion-forward side of William’s heritage that he rarely gets to lean into himself.
Why the "Cousin Group" Matters for the Future Monarchy
As William prepares to eventually take the throne, these relationships aren't just about family dinners at Sandringham. They are his support system. With Harry in California and the Duke of Edinburgh’s children (Louise and James) being much younger, William’s pool of peers is small.
He relies on these cousins to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Take Lady Louise Windsor, for instance. She’s the daughter of Prince Edward. She’s significantly younger than William, but she’s often seen helping out with the younger kids. She’s a Prince William cousin who represents the "dutiful" side of the family—low drama, high service.
The "Non-Royal" Royals
- Peter Phillips: The business-minded elder statesman of the cousins.
- Zara Tindall: The relatable, athletic confidante.
- Lady Louise Windsor: The bridge to the younger generation.
- The Spencer Sisters: The link to Diana’s legacy and the high-fashion world.
It is a mistake to think William is "alone" just because his relationship with Harry is fractured. The "cousin mafia," as some tabloids call them, is deep. They provide the playmates for George, Charlotte, and Louis. They provide the sounding boards for the future King.
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How to Follow the Family Developments
If you're trying to keep track of the evolving roles of each Prince William cousin, focus on the guest lists of non-state events. State funerals and coronations are mandatory. It’s the "middle-ground" events—like the Royal Ascot, the Together at Christmas carol service, or the Big Help Out—where you see who is actually in William’s inner circle.
Watch for who is standing in the "working royal" periphery.
As King Charles continues his reign, watch for Beatrice and Louise. They are the most likely to be "deputized" even if they don't become full-time working royals. The Spencer side will likely remain private but present at major milestones like the unveiling of statues or charity galas dedicated to Diana’s memory.
To stay informed, verify news through the Court Circular, which is the official record of royal engagements. Don't rely solely on "anonymous palace sources" in tabloids, which often exaggerate rifts for clicks. Instead, look for who is physically present at the side of the Prince and Princess of Wales during their most difficult public moments. Those are the cousins who actually matter in the long run.