Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Aim to Keep Their Royal Roles Following Ex-Prince Andrew’s Arrest
Princesses Face Uncertainty Amid Family Scandals
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have retained their royal titles and the designation of Her Royal Highness following significant changes in their family dynamics, particularly the removal of royal privileges from their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. However, uncertainty looms as a result of Andrew’s recent arrest on February 19, 2026, leaving the future of the sisters’ royal status in question.
The royal landscape shifted dramatically in October 2025 when King Charles stripped Andrew of all his titles and privileges, which he had held since his marriage to Sarah Ferguson in July 1986. This move brought Andrew down to the status of a commoner, raising concerns about the implications for his daughters.
Sources close to the family indicate that Beatrice and Eugenie are eager to maintain their royal status. A family friend revealed, “If it was up to them, they want to ‘hold on to their royal status,’ even amid Andrew’s ongoing scandals surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein.” This desire underscores their connection to royal identity, which a friend described as “their identity.”
Though neither sister works full-time for the royal family—Beatrice is employed in the tech industry, while Eugenie serves as a director at an art gallery—they frequently participate in royal engagements, including Christmas at Sandringham and Royal Ascot. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie notes that their economic prospects are tied to their royal connections, stating, “Their jobs in client relations are based on being princesses.”
Despite King Charles reportedly holding a fondness for Beatrice and Eugenie, tensions with Prince William are palpable. Lownie elaborated that William seeks to resolve the issues surrounding Andrew before taking the throne, saying, “William wants it all cleaned out before he gets on the throne. He wants it dealt with now.”
This leaves Beatrice and Eugenie in a difficult position, balancing loyalty to their father with consideration for their future. Lownie commented, “They are caught between a rock and a hard place over loyalty to their parents and their future.”
In the wake of their father’s arrest, the sisters have kept a low profile. A friend likened their current state to "a locked ship right now," emphasizing the weight of the ongoing family drama. As systems of royal tradition collide with personal challenges, the impact on their lives remains significant, with Seward noting, “It has affected their lives a great deal.”
