Royal Reshuffle: Beatrice Steps Into Charity Role
In a significant move for the royal family, Princess Beatrice has been appointed as the new deputy patron of The Outward Bound Trust. This development comes during a period of intense scrutiny surrounding her father, Prince Andrew, and his connections to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The charity officially announced Beatrice's new position on Friday, 7th November 2025. Simultaneously, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, was confirmed as the new royal patron of the organisation.
Background of the Appointment
Princess Beatrice is no stranger to The Outward Bound Trust, having served as a trustee for six years prior to this appointment. The charity, which focuses on helping young people develop lifelong skills through outdoor adventures, has strong royal connections.
Prince Edward is described as continuing his late father's long-standing support. Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, served as patron from 1953 until 2019. The announcement coincided with an event hosted by Edward at St James's Palace on Thursday.
Martin Davidson, chief executive of Outward Bound, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments: "With The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice working alongside us, we're embarking on a new chapter. One where every young person has the chance to test their limits, build confidence and discover that anything is possible. Their support reflects a shared belief that adventure changes lives."
Ongoing Fallout from the Andrew Saga
This appointment occurs against the backdrop of continuing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew. The trust previously counted Andrew among its supporters for decades before his resignation as patron in 2019.
King Charles has officially stripped his brother of both his HRH style and his prince title, effectively ending Andrew's public life. This dramatic move followed the publication of Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoirs and the US government's release of documents from Epstein's estate.
Giuffre had alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three separate occasions: at convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell's London home, at Epstein's Manhattan address, and on Epstein's private island, Little St James. The incident at Maxwell's home allegedly occurred when Giuffre was just 17 years old.
Further allegations claim Andrew participated in an orgy with "underage" girls, including Giuffre, during the alleged incident on Little St James. The former prince continues to vehemently deny all allegations made against him.
Adding to the pressure, members of the US Congress have written to Andrew requesting he sit for a "transcribed interview" regarding his "long-standing friendship" with Epstein.
Despite the controversy surrounding their father, both Princess Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie will retain their royal titles in accordance with King George V's Letters Patent of 1917, which grants titles to daughters of the Sovereign's son.
