Beatrice and Eugenie have reportedly unveiled Prince William's alleged plans to separate from Kate Middleton amidst her ongoing battle with cancer.
In 1997, Queen Elizabeth II purchased a seven-bedroom Georgian house in Surrey as a gift for her younger brother. However, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who were meant to occupy the residence, never moved in. The house remained unoccupied for two years. Unlike other royal family members, Beatrice and Eugenie did not receive extravagant gifts from the late Queen; instead, their mother, Sarah Ferguson, handled such matters.
Queen Elizabeth II was known for giving luxurious homes as presents to family members, often marking significant occasions like weddings. For example, she gifted properties to Princes William and Harry when they married. In 1997, the Queen acquired Birch Hall, a seven-bedroom Georgian mansion in Surrey, for the young royals. Despite the house's lavish amenities, including five acres of land, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a two-bedroom guest house, Beatrice and Eugenie never moved in. Their mother, Sarah, declined the offer due to the high maintenance costs.
After sitting empty for two years, the property was sold for £1.5 million. Reports indicated the proceeds were placed in a trust fund for the sisters' future. By 2016, the house was sold again, this time for £4.2 million, highlighting its increasing value. At the time of the sale, real estate agent Andrew Russell described it as one of the finest properties in North Surrey, noting its striking architecture, high ceilings, and picturesque gardens.
In 2020, Princess Beatrice married her longtime boyfriend, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, in a private ceremony in Windsor. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was limited to a small number of guests, including the Queen and Prince Philip.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, has often been involved in royal dynamics, particularly those concerning Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Her recent comments shed light on the tension surrounding Prince Harry's occasional returns to the UK. Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have resided in the United States, which has further strained their relationship with the rest of the royal family.
