Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are currently navigating a unique position within the Royal Family, one that a royal correspondent describes as the very arrangement their cousin Prince Harry once sought but was denied.
A Challenging Year for the York Sisters
The year 2025 has been exceptionally difficult for the daughters of the Duke of York, Prince Andrew. Their father has been embroiled in successive scandals, which ultimately led King Charles III to strip him of his Prince and Duke of York titles, along with his military honours. This has placed Beatrice and Eugenie in a delicate position, remaining devoted to their father while continuing to enjoy the favour of the King.
Despite the turmoil, both sisters attended the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, while their father is believed to have spent the festive period alone at Royal Lodge. Their attendance surprised some commentators, highlighting their continued integration within the wider family.
The 'Half In, Half Out' Reality
According to Simon Vigar, Royal Correspondent for Five News, the princesses find themselves in a fascinating predicament. He notes they operate as "half in, half out" working royals – a status that allows them to undertake public engagements while also maintaining private careers and lives.
"They're sort of half in half out, actually the thing that Harry wanted," Vigar stated during an appearance on the Sun's Royal Exclusive podcast. "Beatrice and Eugenie aren't full time working royals, so they don't quite have the public exposure that the others do."
This model stands in stark contrast to the fate of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In January 2020, when they initiated their step back from royal duties – the so-called 'Megxit' – they expressed a desire to split time between the UK and North America, representing the monarchy on a part-time basis. That proposed 'half-in, half-out' plan was firmly rejected by the Royal Family, leading to their confirmation as non-working members.
Future Roles in a Slimmed-Down Monarchy
Looking ahead, Vigar suggested that Beatrice and Eugenie could become crucial figures supporting the future monarch, Prince William, who is known to advocate for a more streamlined monarchy. "It's slimmed down all by itself hasn't it, but they're going to need help in the public jobs they do," the correspondent remarked.
Their current path allows them to contribute without the intense, full-time scrutiny faced by senior royals like the Prince and Princess of Wales. This balance appears to be a carefully managed compromise, insulating them from the worst of their father's crises while allowing them to retain their HRH styles and the King's personal regard.
As the Royal Family continues to evolve, the positions of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie demonstrate a modern, flexible approach to royal duty that one high-profile member famously could not secure for himself.
