Princess Beatrice is a popular member of the Royal Family and is one of the Counselors of State, meaning she can step in and perform minor duties on the monarch's behalf if he is ill
Princess Beatrice is often praised for her commitment to juggling a hectic work schedule with her philanthropic efforts. Despite not being an official working royal, she's a passionate advocate for several charities, particularly those aiding individuals with dyslexia, a condition she knows well from her own diagnosis during her school years.
The Princess, who is excitedly anticipating the arrival of her second child with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in early spring, also enjoys widespread affection within the Royal Family. As one of the Counselors of State, she's ready to step in and carry out minor royal duties if King Charles is unwell, out of the country, or otherwise unable to perform them. Given her trusted status in the family and her close relationship with her father, Prince Andrew, a top royal commentator spoke to OK! and shed light on why the Princess could be the ideal peacemaker if necessary.
Speaking about the Duke of York's current dispute over his residence at Royal Lodge and King Charles' alleged wish for his brother to move to Frogmore Cottage, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the magazine: "You have to feel for Beatrice. She must be so torn between loyalty to the Crown and loyalty to her father. And yes, she could be an effective mediator, if one is needed."
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Jennie has shared insights into the potential tensions within the Royal Family, particularly between King Charles and Prince Andrew. She noted: "What we don't know is quite how things actually stand between Charles and Andrew. Thus far, despite the obvious tensions over Royal Lodge, the brothers have shared family time together at Windsor and Sandringham."
She went on to reveal a possible indicator of a deeper rift, saying: "It will be interesting to see if he and Sarah are included in the Christmas gathering this year. If they are absent, it will tell us much about the state of their relationship."
Jennie also suggested that Princess Beatrice might influence her father's decision regarding his residence: "Perhaps Beatrice can persuade her dad that Frogmore Cottage is really rather lovely, and his life could be a whole lot easier if he moved there."
Jennie's remarks follow a busy week of royal engagements for Princess Beatrice, who was seen at an event in Abu Dhabi focused on AI and Energy for a Sustainable Future last Sunday. The next day, she returned to the UK for a The King's Foundation event.
This marked her first time participating with The King's Foundation, where she viewed an exhibition celebrating ten years of innovative textiles education. The display, inspired by the King, highlights the Foundation's efforts to bridge skills gaps in the UK fashion and textiles sector through targeted educational and training initiatives.
When King Charles acceded to the throne in 2022, the list of those who could deputize for him was revised, introducing Queen Camilla and Princess Beatrice. The other royals who can step in include: the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal.
In an unusual move, the King added his sister and youngest brother to the list after Prince Andrew and Prince Harry stepped back from their duties. As explained on the Royal Family's website: "By law, Counselors of State include the Sovereign's spouse and the next four people in the line of succession who are over the age of 21."
"Counselors of State are authorized to carry out most of the official duties of the Sovereign, for example, attending Privy Council meetings, signing routine documents and receiving the credentials of new ambassadors to the United Kingdom."
While Queen Camilla could lose her role if she outlives King Charles, there is a precedent for her holding the position for life as the Regency Act 1953 made the Queen Mother a Counselor of State, despite no longer being the wife of a sovereign.
Princess Beatrice, however, will likely lose her role when Prince George turns 21 as he will replace her as one of the four people of age in the line of succession.
