Princess Beatrice, the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, is not a full-time working royal and instead pursues her own career.
The past few months have been particularly challenging for the royal family, with both King Charles and Princess Catherine taking time off for cancer treatment. This temporary absence left the family somewhat short-handed, and during this period, Beatrice stepped in to assist senior royals when needed. During a state visit, she notably filled in for her cousin, Prince William, attending to high-profile guests in his place. It was heartening to witness the younger generation of royals stepping up to support William in one of the traditional engagements of the year.
Their presence likely delighted guests, offering a glimpse into a more relaxed and modern royal family. Looking ahead to the future, when William ascends to the throne, he may not have his brother by his side, but he will have a close circle of loyal relatives ready to support him in upholding the monarchy. Whenever possible, they will likely continue to assist him when the responsibilities of kingship rest on his shoulders.
Following a tumultuous year, both Princess Beatrice and her sister, Princess Eugenie, have seen an increase in public approval, with Beatrice now holding a 41% favorability rating among Britons and Eugenie closely behind at 40%. Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding their father, Prince Andrew, the sisters have managed to maintain a neutral public image. While they may participate in royal engagements from time to time, both women have careers and young children, making it unlikely that they will transition into full-time working royal roles. In addition to their charity commitments, Beatrice holds a position at the U.S.-based tech company Afiniti, while Eugenie works as a director at the art gallery Hauser & Wirth. A royal correspondent has stated that Beatrice, Eugenie, along with their cousins Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, are unlikely to be called upon to permanently support the working royals, even if there is a pressing need. Buckingham Palace remains firm in its stance, wary that any change in direction could inadvertently support Prince Harry and Meghan’s previous request to operate as part-time royals. The late Queen Elizabeth had firmly rejected the Sussexes’ proposal to balance royal duties with commercial ventures, citing her deep-rooted sense of service and a quiet concern that financial gain might take precedence over their loyalty to the monarchy. Given this precedent, no relaxation of the rules will be granted to any younger royals—it remains an all-or-nothing commitment, with only occasional appearances at events like garden parties being permitted.
A royal author has recently claimed that Kensington Palace, the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is increasingly concerned about the growing closeness between Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and the Sussexes. Prince Harry reportedly feels that his two cousins understand him best, particularly given his current estrangement from his father and brother. There is a prevailing concern within Kensington Palace that Beatrice and Eugenie are gravitating towards what some insiders have described as “the dark side.” A former royal butler noted that Beatrice shares many qualities with her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, having spent a significant amount of time with her. This influence is evident in her demeanor and the way she carries herself in public—elegant, determined, and committed to doing what she believes is right while maintaining a sense of humility. The butler added that Queen Elizabeth’s passing deeply affected Beatrice, fueling her desire to honor her legacy.
Despite speculation about their allegiances, both Beatrice and Eugenie appeared alongside Prince William at a royal garden party last year. The event welcomed approximately 8,000 guests, including volunteers, military personnel, and members of the public, who were recognized for their contributions to society. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the event highlighted the evolving nature of the royal family and the fresh energy brought by the younger generation. It has sparked discussions about whether they could take on a more prominent role within the monarchy, a prospect that their father, Prince Andrew, had once hoped for his daughters.
