No, I'm not American. I'm not very knowledgeable about the monarchy, but probably more so than most Canadians. Nevertheless, I'm having a hard time understanding exactly what Beatrice and Eugenie can possibly do that would be considered a worthwhile contribution to the monarchy, besides dressing nicely and being the guest of honour at an occasional function, planting a tree here and there, cutting ribbons... My perspective is that Beatrice and Eugenie, as much as they are royal, are also part of their generation. Many young people today feel like they have many opportunities to travel, study different subjects, have new experiences. Whenever Beatrice and Eugenie try to do any of these things, it's frowned upon. If they stay at home and party with their peers, they're being useless. If they step out and visit a cancer clinic but do it with Sarah, Sarah shouldn't be there. If they go abroad to see a less privileged side of the world, it's too political (I won't disagree but it's an illustration of how limited their choices are.) If they travel the world to gain new experiences, it's a waste of taxpayer money. If they follow their dad around on a business trip, people call it a vacation (how many eighteen year-old girls really think a trip with a few hours here and there spent shadowing their dad on his boring job is a 'vacation'?)
And THEY CAN'T DRESS RIGHT!
But seriously, Beatrice and Eugenie have wealth and privilege and probably think they can use this both for pleasure and to impact the world in some way, and no matter which way they turn, it seems they're frowned on. Some people might be happy to live the dutiful life of a working royal, doing the same limited tasks, playing it safe and being discreet, for the rest of their lives. It's a way of life that definitely suits the Queen. But if Beatrice and Eugenie have anything of Sarah's personality, will it suit them?
And THEY CAN'T DRESS RIGHT!
But seriously, Beatrice and Eugenie have wealth and privilege and probably think they can use this both for pleasure and to impact the world in some way, and no matter which way they turn, it seems they're frowned on. Some people might be happy to live the dutiful life of a working royal, doing the same limited tasks, playing it safe and being discreet, for the rest of their lives. It's a way of life that definitely suits the Queen. But if Beatrice and Eugenie have anything of Sarah's personality, will it suit them?