The Royal Family's annual pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace has reignited a pressing constitutional and public debate: should Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie step up as full-time working royals? The event, held on Tuesday 17th December 2024, saw the sisters arriving beaming at the palace gates, a stark contrast to their father Prince Andrew's solitary activities elsewhere.
The Case for a Youthful Injection
King Charles's vision for a slimmed-down monarchy is now facing practical challenges. With nearly all but two of the current working royals over the age of 60, the diary of engagements at home and abroad is stretching the 'Firm' thin. The York sisters, aged 36 and 34 respectively, are frequently mentioned as potential assets who could alleviate this pressure.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward has argued they would be "valuable assets" when Prince William ascends the throne. "I see them as a sort of double act, working together in the same way as married couples do. Two gorgeous Princesses working together as sisters would be very powerful," she said.
Financial and Public Perception Hurdles
However, the path to becoming a working royal is not straightforward. Fellow expert Jennie Bond has highlighted significant financial considerations. "If they became full-time working royals, they would have to be supported from the Sovereign’s Grant, and this is probably not the time for any more public expenditure on the Royal Family," she cautioned.
This debate unfolds against a complex personal backdrop for the princesses. Their father, the Duke of York, has been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages following the fallout from his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this, Beatrice and Eugenie's own positions, and their HRH titles, remain unchanged.
A Family Divided on Festive Day
The recent pre-Christmas gathering underscored the family's current dynamics. While the sisters joined the King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other senior royals for lunch, their father was pictured alone on a horse ride in the rain around Windsor. Princess Eugenie added a festive touch to the occasion with a pair of candy cane-shaped earrings.
The central question remains: does the modern monarchy need the York princesses on the frontline? Supporters see two relatable, tech-savvy women who could connect with a younger generation. Critics question the cost and whether it aligns with the King's slimmed-down vision. The nation is now invited to weigh in on this defining issue for the future of the House of Windsor.
