Eugenie and Beatrice grappling with 'toxic brand' as Prince Andrew in 'irretrievable' position

Eugenie and Beatrice grappling with 'toxic brand' as Prince Andrew in 'irretrievable' position

Watch: Charles Rae reflects on future of Prince Andrew in Royal Family

GB News
Hannah Ross

By Hannah Ross


Published: 18/05/2024

- 11:00

The York Princesses both scored a 37 per cent positive rating in a recent poll

  • A royal commentator discussed Beatrice and Eugenie’s role in the Royal family
  • The princesses are not working members of the monarchy
  • Have your say: Should the Royal Family give a larger role to Beatrice and Eugenie? Click the comment button above now

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are grappling with a “toxic brand” as Prince Andrew is in an “irretrievable” position, according to a royal commentator.

A recent poll found that Eugenie and Beatrice are both liked by 37 per cent of Britons while 24 per cent dislike Eugenie and 25 per cent dislike Beatrice.


Furthermore, 37-38 per cent of the respondents answered “don’t know” when asked whether they held a negative or positive opinion about the royal sisters.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News there is interest in the royal sisters because they hold HRH titles, however, the “York brand is toxic.”

Princess Eugenie, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice

Prince Andrew has two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Getty

Fitzwilliams explained: “they both have their own jobs and families, they have always attended significant royal events and do a certain amount of charity work.

“However, the York brand is toxic. Andrew’s situation seems irretrievable. Sarah Ferguson has been unwell, but memories of her past as a royal are unhappy ones.”

Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sparked enormous public criticism against the duke.

Following an interview in 2019 with journalist Emily Maitlis where Andrew discussed his friendship with Epstein, the duke stepped back from his royal duties.

Prince AndrewPrince Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 Getty

Sarah Ferguson has also been involved in some controversial moments including being photographed with another man before she divorced Prince Andrew and getting wrapped up in financial difficulties.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are not considered working royals as they do not carry out official duties on behalf of the King.

The percentage of “don’t know” responses for Beatrice and Eugenie is higher than any other royal on the list, suggesting that the sisters may not be as widely recognised as other working family members.

However, they both commonly attend events held by the Royal Family and advocate for different charities across the UK.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York Sarah Ferguson and Princess Beatrice of York

A royal commentator said that the "York brand is toxic"

Getty

The poll also surveyed public opinion on Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh for the first time.

The duchess scored a 54 per cent positive rating and only 13 per cent of respondents held a negative view of her.

Fitzwilliams said:” With the King and the Princess of Wales seriously ill, the Duchess of Edinburgh has been performing more high-profile royal duties such as her recent visit to Ukraine.

“This has been appreciated by the public, who approve of the way she handles royal engagements. She is hard working, preferring a low profile.”

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