Duties and Roles of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie 1: Discussion Until 2022

[Iluvbertie]

it was an article that stated Andrew wanted his daughters more involved and that Charles wanted a slim down list of members of the firm Bea will go any where especially is the queen is present Bea is the rent a royal right up there with Princess Michael of kent

An article based on anonymous 'sources' and not directly from either Andrew or Charles.

Charles has never publicly made any statement about a smaller royal family. All that ever happened was a comment by a staffer back in 1992 that has taken on a life of its own to the point that it is now taken as gospel when there is actually no evidence to support that comment at all.

 

[tommy100]

IMO Beatrice and Eugenie may end up performing a little bit similar role to the Kents and Gloucesters now but whilst working as well. I think there will be more focus on Charles, Camilla, Will & Kate, Harry (& maybe a wife?) but that Beatrice and Eugenie may continue to support a small number of carefully chosen charities that are personally close to them whilst continuing to have their own careers/lives. I don't think they will become anything like 'full time' royals but will support a few charities and possibly the very very very odd event supporting/representing Charles or William when they are King.

 

[sshepard7]

In a time when royal families are under pressure from the media and those who do not appreciate their effect on the popular culture and their ability to bring revenue to their countries, Pr. Andrew's insistence on pushing his daughters to the fore shows little to no wisdom on his part for the future of Royal England. When stories get out such as the one from Ascot Ladies Day, it doesn't help the Queen, it doesn't help Andrew and it doesn't help Beatrice. Beatrice needs to get a really good job and work the way the lesser members of other royal families do.

 

[muriel]

In a time when royal families are under pressure from the media and those who do not appreciate their effect on the popular culture and their ability to bring revenue to their countries, Pr. Andrew's insistence on pushing his daughters to the fore shows little to no wisdom on his part for the future of Royal England. When stories get out such as the one from Ascot Ladies Day, it doesn't help the Queen, it doesn't help Andrew and it doesn't help Beatrice. Beatrice needs to get a really good job and work the way the lesser members of other royal families do.

I broadly agree with you, B&E need to work independent of the BRF.

What was the story from Ascot Ladies Day?

 

[sshepard7]

In the Daily Mail's Girl About Town column by Charlotte Griffiths on the 20th.

 

[muriel]

In the Daily Mail's Girl About Town column by Charlotte Griffiths on the 20th.

I would pay no heed to that article in the Mail. Its absolute drivel, IMO. How would they know what may or may not have happened? Just an attempt to fill the papers

 

[Queen Claude]

To me if a child or grandchild of the monarch wants to take on royal duties then I think they should be allowed to be working members of The Firm. It's not like there is a high birth rate in the British Royal Family, and the UK is a big country and when you add in the Commonwealth then you are dealing with an even bigger entity.

I think that working royals should have accountability to make sure that they actually work and properly represent the monarch, but if the allegations are true about Charles only wanting the monarch's/heir's direct line to be working royals, I don't get why he feels the need to limit the pool to such small group especially when someone from that group may decide they don't want to be a working royal or wants to delay becoming a working royal.

 

[crm2317]

I would rather see the grandchild of the monarch take on roles and responsibilities than the monarch's cousins. Don't misunderstand me, they have served well for the Queen, but they are past retirement age and could make room for someone younger who seems to be keen.

 

[Mirabel]

An article based on anonymous 'sources' and not directly from either Andrew or Charles.

Charles has never publicly made any statement about a smaller royal family. All that ever happened was a comment by a staffer back in 1992 that has taken on a life of its own to the point that it is now taken as gospel when there is actually no evidence to support that comment at all.

That may be so, but I have to say, it sounds like something Charles would do.

I could easily see him deciding that his own family was sufficient and there was no need for any others.
(Besides, it's been long-rumored that Charles and Andrew don't get along all that well).

 

[Osipi]

Although it does sound like a bright idea to have lotsa lotsa royals out there up front and personal with the public, its been reported in several threads around the forums here that the one major drawback to that idea would be the cost. Other than Charles, Camilla, William, Kate and Harry who are funded by the Duchy of Cornwall, HM, The Queen picks up the tab for all other working royals. This, I believe, covers any of their expenses and also pays for the protection officers and transportation.

 

[Zonk]

I would rather see the grandchild of the monarch take on roles and responsibilities than the monarch's cousins. Don't misunderstand me, they have served well for the Queen, but they are past retirement age and could make room for someone younger who seems to be keen.

But don't forget the cousins are also grandchildren of a monarch....George V. And the "cousins" have dedicated their lives to their monarch, often to the detriment of their own careers (Edward/army, Richard/Architecture, Alexandra/Nursing). Alexandra has already slowed down, and Edward and Richard will do the same when they are ready.

To retire them when they are not ready, is not a nice way to say thank you for your years of service IMO.

 

[crm2317]

But don't forget the cousins are also grandchildren of a monarch....George V. And the "cousins" have dedicated their lives to their monarch, often to the detriment of their own careers (Edward/army, Richard/Architecture, Alexandra/Nursing). Alexandra has already slowed down, and Edward and Richard will do the same when they are ready.

To retire them when they are not ready, is not a nice way to say thank you for your years of service IMO.

I agree with you, I have nothing but admiration for their dedication! I just feel there is 'wiggle room'. Could Beatrice not take a couple from each to begin her royal career, like a wind down for them and a start for her?

 

[Queen Claude]

I don't think that the older ones have to be put out to pasture to make room for the younger ones. As I mentioned earlier, the UK is a big country, there are undoubtedly charities that would like a royal patron and entities celebrating major anniversaries or milestones that would love a royal to show up and unveil a plaque.

 

[Iluvbertie]

Beatrice is already a patron of a number of patronages. She also undertakes 'engagements' for those patronages. Those engagements aren't recorded in the CC and so they aren't official. She does something and no credit given by HM while Kate does the same thing and HM gives her credit in the CC (HM decides what is and what isn't an official engagement and for whom and we saw in 2012 the scenario where Kate presented medals at the Paralympics and that was an engagement for her but when Eugenie did the same thing the next day it wasn't an engagement for Eugenie - HM's decision).


Same thing with Ascot - we all saw many members of the royal family attend but only HM and the DoE will get credit for attending in the CC.

 

[Mirabel]

I'm not certain it really is HM's decision.
It's been said that the Queen mostly defers to Charles these days, and his wishes are paramount.
It makes sense; this will make for an easier transition.
But if it's true the Queen has decided to go this route, I can't see her going behind his back to undermine his authority.


(Still... I don't see why he can't make use of Beatrice, at least. Eugenie has her own career, but Beatrice seems to want to join the Firm. So why not? I've read that many, many organizations would like a royal patron but can't get one; patrons are not easy to get. So why not make use of her? Face it, she is not going to get some job in finance! She doesn't seem to want to do anything but royal engagements, so instead of letting her degenerate into a party girl, why not make use of her? I think she'd be good at it, and she doesn't seem to have any interest in anything else).

 

[EllieCat]

I think she'd be good at it, and she doesn't seem to have any interest in anything else).

It's almost like she was born to do it! Wait; she was. When she was a child, there was total expectation that all the Royal princes and princesses would one day work for the firm, or at least most of them. Things have changed. I believe those who want to work for the firm should. Pcs Eugenie seems perfectly happy (and good) with a career, and i agree with those who think Pcs B would like to go the Royal route.

 

[Iluvbertie]

I'm not certain it really is HM's decision.
It's been said that the Queen mostly defers to Charles these days, and his wishes are paramount.
It makes sense; this will make for an easier transition.
But if it's true the Queen has decided to go this route, I can't see her going behind his back to undermine his authority.

HM signs the CC each day. That is why it is her decision. She can put in anything or leave out anything she wants. Charles isn't there when she signs it.

 

[GracieGiraffe]

I suppose the Queen has her reasons - doesn't mean she's right, as she is human. I too think Beatrice would be a tremendous asset to the Firm, and it seems to be her calling in life.

 

[royal rob]

I really can't see the a Queen or Charles making these decisions I'm sure it's a lot more involved than that. A lot of people would have input into the way the family will function going forward. Of course the Queen can have final say but would take advice

I'm not certain it really is HM's decision.
It's been said that the Queen mostly defers to Charles these days, and his wishes are paramount.
It makes sense; this will make for an easier transition.
But if it's true the Queen has decided to go this route, I can't see her going behind his back to undermine his authority.


(Still... I don't see why he can't make use of Beatrice, at least. Eugenie has her own career, but Beatrice seems to want to join the Firm. So why not? I've read that many, many organizations would like a royal patron but can't get one; patrons are not easy to get. So why not make use of her? Face it, she is not going to get some job in finance! She doesn't seem to want to do anything but royal engagements, so instead of letting her degenerate into a party girl, why not make use of her? I think she'd be good at it, and she doesn't seem to have any interest in anything else).

Because she can't or won't get a job doesn't mean she should be a full time royal. As others have pointed out it's about money as much as anything

 

[Meadow]

The Queen is the head of the firm she may take advice but in the end it's her decision and she will listen to Charles because he is going to take over for it to be a smoother change over I can see her allowing Charles more say and taking on what he wishes his reign as Monarch will be. Of course they listen to others but I don't think Beatrice or Eugenie have much support aside from their father. By now if it was going to happen it would off already happened. It's in the courtiers best interest to cut down who get's paid by the Monarch not add to the list and I think money could have something to do with this decision. The Staff at the palaces are underpaid as it is people are losing jobs etc it wouldn't look good to add someone else to the payroll. There was a story only the other day that Andrew got upset with where Beatrice would be sitting in the carriage at Ascot and basically threw a tanty to move her next to him in the Queens carriage. How true that is I don't know. But Andrew has always said he wants the girls to have a role in the firm it's just not going to happen.

 

[Curryong]

No, I don't think it is going to happen. Whether Charles stated such a thing or not I just have a feeling that the BRF will be a more slim-line operation in the next reign simply because that concept fits in better with the 21st century's expectations of royal families.

 

[MARG]

In a time when royal families are under pressure from the media and those who do not appreciate their effect on the popular culture and their ability to bring revenue to their countries, Pr. Andrew's insistence on pushing his daughters to the fore shows little to no wisdom on his part for the future of Royal England. When stories get out such as the one from Ascot Ladies Day, it doesn't help the Queen, it doesn't help Andrew and it doesn't help Beatrice. Beatrice needs to get a really good job and work the way the lesser members of other royal families do.

I am reliably informed that when the carriage lists were drawn up they overlooked one of HM's personal preferences, there were three gentlemen in the first carriage and three women in the second. Since HM likes things as balanced as possible whenever possible, swaps were made. Two women, two men in each carriage. End of story.

I know it doesn't leave any room for claiming Andrew is pushing Beatrice I am aware that people will not accept such a simple scenario, so be it. However, I would love some examples of Prince Andrew's pushy activities.

 

[royal rob]

I am reliably informed that when the carriage lists were drawn up they overlooked one of HM's personal preferences, there were three gentlemen in the first carriage and three women in the second. Since HM likes things as balanced as possible whenever possible, swaps were made. Two women, two men in each carriage. End of story.

I know it doesn't leave any room for claiming Andrew is pushing Beatrice I am aware that people will not accept such a simple scenario, so be it. However, I would love some examples of Prince Andrew's pushy activities.

Could you tell us how you are " reliably informed "

 

[royal-blue]

It has been made clear that Beatrice and Eugenie are not needed to perform full time royal duties. There are already so many working royals, so they are unnecessary. Even William, Kate and Harry are doing relatively little in the way of royal engagements, and the York sisters will never have the same gravitas.

 

[Mirabel]

It has been made clear that Beatrice and Eugenie are not needed to perform full time royal duties. There are already so many working royals, so they are unnecessary. Even William, Kate and Harry are doing relatively little in the way of royal engagements, and the York sisters will never have the same gravitas.

But, as has been mentioned, many working royals are elderly, and may stop working quite soon.

And the point is that the public expects Beatrice (all the RF really) to do something besides go to parties and take vacations.
At least she'd be accomplishing something worthwhile if she does official engagements. As things are now, her activities just generate criticism.

 

[Rudolph]

I see no public appetite for Beatrice to be a working royal and at this stage if she did factor into the future plans of the family I think she would be mentioned more often in the CC to make the transition easier. The fact Beatrice's appearances are hardly ever mentioned in the CC leads me to believe she's not going to be a working royal at least not officially.

 

[royal-blue]

It will be interesting to see what happens when the Queen and Philip stop working. The other royals may struggle to take on the same number of engagements. Even more so when the Queen's cousins are out of the picture. Perhaps the Kents and Gloucesters could retire now so the younger generation can get a head start.

 

[Iluvbertie]

The Gloucester's are closer in age to Charles and Camilla than to the Queen so if they are to retire then it would make sense for people to start talking about Charles and Camilla, and even Anne to retire.


I don't see why anyone should have to retire so the younger royals can start stepping up. The younger royals have different interests anyway and could easily find things to do that are of interest to them, if they actually wanted to do so.

 

[Ish]

I think we're more likely to see the Queen's cousins slowly retire as they get older than the Queen, DoE, Charles, Anne, or Camilla. I don't think it's something that will be done because they're pushed into it by others or to enable the younger generation to step up, but rather because I don't think we can expect to continue seeing people who are as removed from the mainline as they are and are retirement age to continue working for the BRF.

In contrast, I don't think we're likely to see the Queen or DoE retire unless their health forces them to - likewise with Charles and Anne. Whether or not Camilla is likely to one day retire I think will depend on her health, whether or not she outlives Charles, and if she does what kind of role she wants to have as a Dowager.

Much like with the Kents and Gloucesters now, I do think we could expect to see Andrew and the Wessexes retire in time.

 

[GracieGiraffe]

I don't think anybody is pushing any of the older royals to "retire" or cut back, but if they want to or need to, who would have a problem with it?

I can see William one day as king before George and Charlotte have completed their educations, or are young with families such as Will and Kate are now. So if you kick Beatrice and Eugenie to the curb now who is going to do all the duties? Will, Kate, Harry and perhaps his wife? Is that feasible? Or does this force George and Charlotte to take up duties at a far younger age - is this fair given the fact that Will is allowed as much time away from royal life as possible at this stage?

I have the feeling that King William is going to cut back on the public role of the BRF. As head of state, he will fulfill his governmental obligations, and there will be far less ribbon-cutting. It might even be a "part-time" royal family.