Friends of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are reportedly upset but not surprised that they have not been asked to carry out any royal engagements during a double health crisis affecting the royal family. Despite their willingness to serve, the young women feel ignored by King Charles, who has accepted Prince Andrew back into the fold. However, those close to the family understand that there is no place for the sisters as full-time working royals and that being part-time working royals is not an option.
A former courtier points out the folly of cutting out the two younger royals, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as Charles, William, and Kate are not available for public duties due to health reasons. Bringing the sisters back into the public eye could send a confusing message and go against the streamlining efforts of the monarchy. Princess Eugenie lives in Portugal but stays at her sister’s apartment in St. James’ Palace in the UK. Princess Beatrice, her husband, and children also reside in the palace and pay market rent.
If Charles and Kate were permanently sidelined due to health challenges, a possible Prince William regency may face staffing challenges. Princess Anne, who is currently highly active in royal duties, may want to retire or reduce her workload in the future, further highlighting the staffing issues the royal family may face. Prince George, the eldest child of Prince William and Kate, is only 10 years old, indicating that the next generation of royals is not yet ready for full-time working roles.
Speculation continues about the potential return of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to royal duties, especially as Queen Elizabeth was fond of them and wanted them to be included in the core group of working royals. However, Charles aimed to slim down the royal family and cut the sisters from the group in 2011, removing their privileges and benefits. The institution may have to accept that its working members will be seen less by the public if the sisters are not rehired, potentially leading to a decline in the royal family’s once-mighty footprint under Charles’s reign.
Despite the potential challenges and declining visibility of the working royals, there is no indication that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will be brought back into the fold for royal engagements. The monarchy will need to navigate staffing issues and potential retirements in the coming years, leaving uncertainty about the future roles of the younger generation of royals. Queen Elizabeth’s decision to exclude the sisters from the core working royals still resonates, and it remains to be seen how the royal family will adapt to changing circumstances. No official comments were provided by Buckingham Palace or the Yorks regarding the matter.
