Princess Beatrice was left to watch the Lionesses’ triumphant return from the sidelines last week, as senior royals failed to mark the national team’s historic achievement — a decision some are calling a missed PR opportunity for the monarchy.
Following England’s victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final, the Football Association had hoped for a celebratory moment with the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, sources have claimed.
After a tense 1–1 draw in extra time, England clinched the win on penalties, sending fans into nationwide celebration and prompting plans for a ceremonial ride down The Mall.
However, according to the Mail, “when planning the ride down The Mall, the FA thought a royal would be at the Palace to greet the team.”
Princess Beatrice ‘treated like a bystander’ as Buckingham Palace misses golden PR moment
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The insider continued: “Alas, William had returned to his holiday after attending the final, the King (no football fan) wouldn’t fly down from his annual fortnight at the Castle of Mey and Anne was also in Scotland. Other working royals were ‘unavailable.’”
That left Princess Beatrice, who is not a working royal, to watch the celebrations unfold from the crowd.
“What about Princess Beatrice? She had to watch proceedings kerbside with the masses,” the publication reported.
Photographs from the day show the Princess standing among cheering fans with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, her stepson Wolfie, and her daughters, Sienna, three, and six-month-old Athena, rather than representing the Royal Family in an official capacity.
Princess Beatrice's stepson Wolfie could be seen at the parade alongside Sienna (right) and Athena (pictured in Edoardo's arms) | GETTYWhile Prince William’s presence at the final in Basel with Princess Charlotte was praised, his decision to return to his summer break, along with the absence of other working royals, drew criticism from some monarchists.
They noted that Princess Beatrice, who has HRH royal status and growing public support, could have stepped in, particularly as discussions around expanding the working royal pool continue.
“Letting Bea and other young royals invite the Lionesses to the Palace for drinks could have been a PR triumph,” the source added.
However, GB News understands that Buckingham Palace was keen to ensure the spotlight remained solely on the Lionesses, with the Palace acting only as a backdrop.
Princess Beatrice pictured with several of Sarah Ferguson's grandchildren | GETTYLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Crowds filled The Mall to see the Lionesses lift the trophy | PAPlans for a formal royal reception are thought to be explored for the coming autumn.
The moment has added to speculation about whether King Charles will consider promoting Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to more formal roles within the Royal Family.
Public support for Beatrice in particular has grown in recent months, with royal watchers praising her poise, discretion, and willingness to support the Crown when needed.
But in this case, her title as HRH meant little. She stood among fans as a bystander while the Palace missed what many see as a golden opportunity to connect with the public and honour a national win.