Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie 'should not be punished for Prince Andrew's mistakes'

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie 'should not be punished for Prince Andrew's mistakes'

WATCH NOW: Beatrice and Eugenie are not currently working royals

GB News
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 19/05/2024

- 11:00

The Duke of York stepped down as a working royal in 2019

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie "should not be punished for Prince Andrew's mistakes", a royal historian exclusively told GB News.

The Duke of York stepped down as a working royal in 2019 following his infamous career-ending interview with Emily Maitlis on Newsnight.


During the interview, Prince Andrew discussed his friendship with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

The famous interview was recently reenacted in a Netflix drama titled Scoop, which also included a scene showing Princess Beatrice, played by Charity Wakefield, accompanying her father to meet the Newsnight producers.

Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Prince Andrew

The Duke of York stepped down as a working royal in 2019

Getty / PA

Beatrice was portrayed as encouraging her father to go through with the interview, which eventually led to him stepping down from his working duties.

This event did occur in real life, with Newsnight booker Sam McAlister and interviewer Emily Maitlis going on record to speak about their interactions with the princess.

Royal historian Gareth Russell spoke exclusively to GB News to explain how the recent drama surrounding Prince Andrew could impact Beatrice and Eugenie.

He said: "I don't think [the recent drama] will impact them actually."

Prince AndrewPrince Andrew was stripped of his military titles and patronages in 2022Getty

Many commentators have suggested that Beatrice, 35, and Eugenie, 34, could make great additions as working members of the Royal Family, particularly amid King Charles and Princess Kate's cancer diagnoses.

Russell explained whether the embarrassment surrounding Prince Andrew could hinder his daughters' chances of becoming working royals.

He added: "In terms of whether or not King Charles will consider making Beatrice and Eugenie working royals, the King has made it quite clear that he does not believe that the entire York family should be punished for their father's or ex-husband's mistakes."

Sarah Ferguson, 64, divorced Prince Andrew in 1996 following their separation in 1992.

Princess Beatrice and Princess EugeniePrincess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are not working royalsPA
Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson has been present at several recent royal events

PA

However, the Duke and Duchess of York have remained close and even live together at Royal Lodge.

Fergie has become a more prominent presence under King Charles III's reign, having appeared on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday alongside her ex-husband.

Under Queen Elizabeth II, the Duchess of York did not accompany the Royal Family at official events following her divorce.

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