Meet the Royal Princesses: Beatrice and Eugenie

Beatrice and Eugenie, you might have heard their names, but do you know who they are? These two ladies are the daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. They have a special place in the British Royal Family.

Why Are They Princesses?

It's all because of a super old tradition that goes back to 1917. Their great-great-grandfather, George V, made it official by issuing something called a "Letter Patent." This letter said that the grandchildren of the sons of the monarch (as long as they weren't the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) could be called Prince or Princess.

So, since Prince Andrew is the son of Queen Elizabeth, Beatrice and Eugenie get to be Princesses. But their cousin, Zara Tindall, doesn't have this title because she's part of the female line.

Royal Titles and Marriage

Before getting married, Eugenie was officially known as Her Royal Highness, Princess Eugenie of York. But after tying the knot with Jack Brooksbank in 2018, she became Her Royal Highness, Princess Eugenie, Mrs Jack Brooksbank. Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020, and she became an Italian countess.

Titles for Royal Kids

Titles are a big deal in the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth made sure that all of Kate and William's kids would have fitting titles before the birth of their first child, George. According to King George V's Letters Patent, an older sister wouldn't be a princess, but a younger brother would be a prince.

However, Harry and Meghan's son, Archie, didn't automatically become a prince because he's not the child of a future king.

No Free Security

Being a prince or princess doesn't mean you automatically get police protection. Beatrice and Eugenie's security isn't paid for by taxpayers anymore.

In Line to the Throne

With all the Royal babies born recently, the line of succession has gotten pretty long. First in line after Queen Elizabeth is Charles, now King Charles III. Then comes Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, and his kids: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Remember, Charlotte doesn't get pushed aside just because Louis is a boy.

Prince Harry, who was once third in line, is now sixth, behind his nieces and nephews. Meghan and Harry's kids are also in the line of succession, as sixth and seventh. Prince Andrew is eighth, while Beatrice and Eugenie are ninth and eleventh, respectively.

Family Expansions

Now, let's talk about the next generation. Beatrice and Edoardo had their first child, Sienna Mapelli Mozzi, in 2021. She's the Queen's 12th great-grandchild. And don't forget, Beatrice is a stepmom to Edoardo's son, Christopher Woolf. Eugenie and Jack welcomed their son August in 2021, and in 2023, they had their second child, Ernest.

So there you have it - the lowdown on Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, their titles, and their place in the Royal Family.