Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson remain mired in controversy, yet their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have quietly carried on with a set of roles that keep them visible without being official working royals. What makes their position unusual is that even though their father lost his titles, home and public role, the sisters still hold their HRH styles and continue to show up for charitable work.
Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, were out and about again this past week, supporting causes linked to The King’s Foundation and other charities. Their recent appearances have sparked fresh commentary on what may be a soft shift happening behind the scenes. According to Majesty magazine’s editor in chief, Ingrid Seward, their involvement is a clear sign that King Charles is “looking after” his nieces.
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Eugenie stepped in as a mentor for The King’s Foundation’s “35 Under 35” Network, while Beatrice was announced as the new deputy patron of Outward Bound. Speaking to the Sun, Seward said the King “is determined to embrace his nieces,” adding that he seems intent on bringing them into the fold in a way that feels meaningful rather than symbolic. From her view, he wants to make sure they’re not being pulled in for show but are genuinely contributing.
Although the sisters continue to turn up at major events to back their uncle, including Royal Ascot and Buckingham Palace garden parties, they haven’t joined the family on the Trooping the Colour balcony since Queen Elizabeth’s time. Their absence from that moment is still a noticeable change in how the younger royals appear in public.
Even so, their new charity roles could pave the way for a bigger presence in the future, though still not as working royals. Seward suggested this shift reflects “the very kind side of The King.”
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She believes Charles feels a certain responsibility toward them, especially given the turmoil their parents’ scandals have caused. She described the past few years as “a hideous time for them,” noting that both sisters are mothers of two and that the strain has been “very, very difficult” for their young families.
Taking on selected duties offers them a way to stay connected without the full weight of official responsibility. Seward said it gives them something of their own, helping them feel like active members of the family rather than guests who occasionally turn up for a Christmas lunch.
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“They’re actually part of the royal family, and they can do their bit, which I think is important to them,” she explained. According to Seward, Eugenie’s recent appearance was a “very strong signal” about what the future might look like for the sisters. She added that it reinforces a simple message coming from the palace as King Charles shapes the monarchy under his watch. As she put it, “the sins of the father are not reflected on the children.”
