Ex-Prince Andrew’s daughters are again under pressure after a royal expert said Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie may want to step back from their titles. The York sisters still hold the titles of Princess and HRH (His/Her Royal Highness), even as scrutiny of the family has intensified in recent weeks.
That fresh warning centers on optics, access, and the gap between status and duty. According to a new report, the sisters are non-working royals but still retain palace perks, London homes, and valuable connections tied to their royal titles.
Expert urges Ex-Prince Andrew’s daughters to quietly drop royal titles amid scrutiny
According to the Mirror report, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says, “A title like that opens doors and sets up connections,” which the royal sisters already use to their advantage. Bond stresses, “There’s nothing wrong in that,” but adds that now might be the moment to “quietly drop the use of theirs.” In her view, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie do not need a public renunciation. Instead, she suggested they “use their married names” and distance themselves from the York brand for now.
Although the issue is not just symbolic, the outlet reports that the sisters still have access to homes within royal palaces through a long-standing private rental arrangement. Princess Beatrice has an apartment in St James’s Palace, while Princess Eugenie has Ivy Cottage at Kensington Palace as a London base.
The outlet also cites a source telling The Times, “The [rental] deal was made with their father as he wanted them to have a foothold in the royal palaces.” That detail adds to the debate over royal titles and whether palace-linked privileges still look appropriate.
However, Bond did not argue that King Charles is about to strip the sisters of rank. She says, “I can’t see the King stripping them of their titles,” adding there is “no evidence at present” of any abuse of status. Even so, Bond said this remains “a difficult time for both women” and that they “might do well to keep their heads down.” That leaves Ex-Prince Andrew’s daughters in an awkward middle ground.
