A precedent most recently set by the Duchess of Edinburgh could impact Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice's day jobs, according to new claims.
In 2002, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh assumed full-time royal duties and quit their day jobs.
Prince Edward stepped down as TV production firm Ardent's director of production and joint managing director.
Meanwhile, Sophie, who had already ceased her day-to-day involvement in the management of R-JH Public Relations, also permanently stood down.
Duchess of Edinburgh precedent could impact Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.
Getty / Instagram
At the time, the Duke of Edinburgh said: "It is quite obvious that in this year, the Golden Jubilee, we are required more than ever to support the Queen and to help my family shoulder some of the increasing responsibilities and workload into the future."
This precedent could prove relevant for Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice in the coming years.
Royal sources suggest that when Prince William becomes King, the York sisters may step into full-time royal roles.
The Duke of Gloucester set a precedent for royals stepping into full-time duties when he resigned from his architectural firm in 1972.
Sophie and Prince Edward quit their day jobs in 2002.
GettyDuring her reign, Queen Elizabeth II relied heavily on support from her cousins, setting a precedent for extended family involvement.
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was working as a partner in a London architectural practice before assuming full-time royal duties, which have continued to the present day.
Following the death of his elder brother, Prince William, Richard became heir apparent to his father's dukedom.
This unexpected event led him to take on additional family obligations and royal duties on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duke of Gloucester (right) quit his day job in 1972.
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Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie pictured at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday.Instagram / Princess EugenieThe Royal Family has notably grown smaller since Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020, creating potential gaps in representation.
While the current arrangement sees Beatrice and Eugenie as non-working royals without taxpayer funding, their status could evolve as the monarchy adapts to changing circumstances.
A courtier told the Mail: "Although Prince William still believes in a 'slimmed-down monarchy', he is increasingly aware of the hard work of his extended family."
Royal commentator Richard Eden has expressed support for the York sisters taking on more formal roles, stating that "it would benefit the monarchy."
While there is no suggestion that Prince Andrew might return to public engagements, Eden believes his daughters have "a big role to play" in the future of the Royal Family.
