It was quite a night for the increasingly glamorous Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie last night as they enjoyed not one but two meals out on the town.

The Duke and Duchess of York's daughters were dressed in all their finery as they departed the Cipriani Restaurant in Central London after enjoying dinner with their mother, Sarah.

Although the Duchess had reportedly been invited to attend the private party at The Ritz in celebration of the Queen's 80th birthday (although I'm personally yet to see an image of Sarah at the event), her expected presence is said to have caused more than a few headaches for party planner Lady Elizabeth Anson (the sister of the late Lord Lichfield and a cousin of the Queen).

Just where would the Duchess — no favourite of Prince Philip — sit at the event: with her ex-husband Andrew or on a separate table, far from her daughters and the other members of the Royal Family?

Sadly, we're yet to discover the answer.

There were no such protocol problems at the Mayfair restaurant as Sarah and her girls enjoyed precious time together, far from the formalities of the Royal court.

First, though, Sarah had more pressing issues to attend to, making an appearance as guest of honour at a festive event at St. Paul's Church in Bedford Street, Central London.

The Children In Crisis Celebrity Carol Concert has become an established part of the Christmas season, raising as it does funds for the Duchess's charity which continues to help youngsters worldwide.

Her duty done, the Duchess — still dressed in the same outfit — headed to her favourite eaterie to catch up with her girls.

The Cipriani restaurant in Mayfair is a regular haunt of the Duchess who, just weeks ago, was spotted leaving the venue with her friend Tamara Beckwith ('famous' as a British 'IT Girl) and her Italian fiancee, construction heir Giorgio Veroni.

On that occasion the press made much of the fact 47-year-old Sarah ended the night at the Cuckoo Club, which recently welcomed a younger generation of royals — William and Harry — through its doors.

In the weeks ahead Sarah will once again be separated from Beatrice and Eugenie as they head off to the Queen's Sandringham Estate for Christmas with the Windsors.

Although yet to be confirmed, it's likely Sarah will once again opt to spend the holidays elsewhere, possibly (as last year) with her stepmother, Susan and other members of her family with whom, unlike at 'The Big House' in Norfolk she'll be assured of a warm welcome.

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Name: M-M

Comment: I'm sure the RF think one colossal dose of Sarah was enough ! She is still self-promoting and name dropping and indiscreet . And she is their ex -which usually means seperate Christmas celebrations ! She and Andrew should have their girls on alternate years for Christmas . And she should stop the wistful , yearning routine , it probably just makes her kids unhappy . The Royals seem to be happier when Camilla is absent too . The Queen is noticably more relaxed with the Wessexes and the rest of her family , as at the recent ball at the Ritz .

Name: Suzi	Comment: Well said, Kate. In my many readings on the Royals, one of my favourite quotes regarding Philip was from one of his old Naval cronies: "Ah, yes, I remember when he was the girl."

Name: M-M	Comment: Kate Comment: I think that because Eugenie wears braces on her teeth, she may be a little hesitant to smile at this stage of her life. _______________________ Yes the braces could make the difference , but Eugenie may not be too happy about some of the boring adult venues she goes to with either parent ! She is only 16 . Either way , lucky girl , she has those 'sooty' eyes that smolder .

Name: Ash Farran	Comment: It is definitely time to forgive and forget. Sarah is the mother of the two princesses and as such, now the whole family should be able to spend Christmas together. Show some Christmas spirit and down with the Bah Humbug!

Name: Kate	Comment: I think that because Eugenie wears braces on her teeth, she may be a little hesitant to smile at this stage of her life. However, I think she is very very attractive and will be a knock-out in another couple of years. I just hope that she aquires a good and elegant dress sense!for the article and For Eugenie

Name: Kate	Comment: I believe if the son is allowed to marry his mistress then Prince Andrew's ex wife (if he chose to invite her) should be accepted as well! Philip was not a sweatheart when he was young . He was just lucky the media wasn't as vicious then as they are today...

Name: Jacqueline	Comment: I too think it's past time for Philip to put the past behind him..I think Sarah should be invited up for the Holidays with her children..to not invite her is just cruel, and petty.

Name: Trudie	Comment: Isn't it about time Prince Philip would forgive and forget after 15 years? Sarah may not be royal material but over the years she has redeemed herself and she is the mother of two Princesses.

Name: M-M	Comment: Eugenie , not known for smiling in public , shows every indication of being the beauty of the family . All she needs is some good fashion advice , which she cannot get from either her mother or her sister , and she will be dazzling