Despite their parents’ fall from grace, the York sisters remain valued members of the royal family
King Charles III has reportedly taken steps to ensure Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie maintain their royal standing, even as their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, lose their Duke and Duchess of York titles.
According to The Telegraph, the King, who continues treatment for cancer, has made it clear that his nieces must be “protected” from the consequences of their parents’ controversies. While Andrew and Sarah will no longer be referred to by their former titles, their daughters will continue to be known as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York — a distinction derived from their father’s former dukedom, much like how the Wales children take their title from their father, the Prince of Wales.
Both sisters will retain their HRH (Her Royal Highness) status and continue to participate in royal engagements and charitable work. A palace source reportedly said, “[The York sisters] really are a credit to the Royal Family. They haven’t done anything to deserve what has happened. It’s all of their parents’ making.”
Line of Succession
The sisters’ positions in the royal line of succession remain unchanged. Beatrice is currently ninth in line to the throne, followed by her daughter Sienna in tenth and her younger daughter Athena in eleventh. Eugenie is twelfth, with her sons August and Ernest ranking thirteenth and fourteenth respectively.
Christmas at Sandringham
Beatrice and Eugenie are expected to receive invitations to spend Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham House, though it is unclear if they will attend. Beatrice, along with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and stepson Wolfie, joined the festivities last year, while their parents remained at Windsor.
Beatrice’s Role as Counsellor of State
Because of her position in the line of succession, Princess Beatrice serves as one of King Charles’s Counsellors of State. She represented him at the King’s Foundation Future Textiles Exhibition in November 2024.
While King Charles may have no plans to make his nieces full-time working royals, his affection and respect for them remain evident. Prince William also maintains a warm relationship with his cousins, though royal insiders suggest he could take a firmer stance on their father once he becomes King.
