Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew, could be on the cusp of assuming more prominent roles within the British Royal Family, potentially sparking internal tensions. This development follows their recent appearance alongside Prince William at a Buckingham Palace garden party, fueling speculation that they might become working royals. However, such a move might not be as seamless as it appears.
Grayce McCormick, founder of Lightfinder Public Relations, expressed concerns about the potential for increased competition and conflict within the Royal Family. "The emergence of new working royals may fuel comparisons and competition within the Royal Family. It could potentially lead to internal tensions or conflicts that could damage the monarchy's public image," McCormick told GB News.
The Royal Family's current roster of working members includes King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Edward, the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Notably absent from this list is Princess Kate, who stepped back from public duties earlier this year following major abdominal surgery and is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
The potential inclusion of Beatrice and Eugenie could be seen as a strategic move to fill the gap left by Kate and to introduce younger faces to the public, as the majority of working royals are over 60. However, McCormick cautioned that the princesses' promotion could also exacerbate existing tensions, particularly due to their father's controversial history. Prince Andrew stepped down as a working royal in 2019 after a disastrous interview with the BBC's Emily Maitlis, where he discussed his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Despite this, royal commentator Gareth Russell argues that it is "unfair" to hold Beatrice and Eugenie accountable for their father's alleged misdeeds. Nevertheless, the shadow of Prince Andrew's scandal lingers, potentially complicating their path to becoming full-time working royals.
The sisters' appearance at the Buckingham Palace event was well-received by the public, indicating a readiness for their increased involvement. Yet, McCormick suggested that this positive reception might not be enough to offset the internal discord their new roles could trigger. "Their emergence as working royals might be met with public praise, but it also runs the risk of internal competition," she noted.
The prospect of Beatrice and Eugenie stepping into more active roles comes at a time when the Royal Family is already navigating significant changes. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties in 2020, coupled with Princess Kate's temporary absence, has altered the dynamic within the family. Additionally, the royal family continues to deal with the ramifications of Andrew's scandal and his ongoing low profile.
Luana Ribeira, a PR expert and founder of Dauntless PR, advised that Beatrice and Eugenie should continue their current strategy of maintaining a low profile. "For Beatrice and Eugenie, there is also the 'Prince Andrew factor'. Although they cannot be held responsible for the words and actions of their father, I think their current strategy of keeping their head down and quietly getting on with life is a wise one for them," Ribeira told GB News.
Despite these concerns, the potential for Beatrice and Eugenie to assume greater responsibilities remains a topic of public interest. Their increased visibility could bring fresh energy to the Royal Family, appealing to younger generations and modernizing its image. However, balancing this with the need to maintain internal harmony will be a critical challenge.
As King Charles and Prince William continue to lead the monarchy, the inclusion of Beatrice and Eugenie could provide much-needed support. Yet, the decision to elevate their roles must be carefully weighed against the potential for internal strife and the ongoing impact of their father's controversies.
