Andrew Reportedly Managed a ‘Secret Deal’ With Charles Over Beatrice and Eugenie’s Fate
After years of skirting consequences for his controversial actions, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was finally stripped of his royal titles in October. Though he had to bid adieu to royal life, he was reportedly worried that his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, would suffer a similar fate. Fortunately, King Charles allowed the York sisters to keep their titles, unlike their father. However, according to royal expert Richard Eden, there was another element of this 'secret deal' between Mountbatten-Windsor and Charles that no one anticipated.
Eden revealed that Mountbatten-Windsor and Charles's alleged deal had many conditions. It was agreed that the King would have to rehome his brother to another royal residence whenever he vacates Royal Lodge. Secondly, his daughters would also be allowed to keep their place in the line of succession, along with their titles. Perhaps the third condition, as Eden claimed, was one no one saw coming. He penned for the Daily Mail, "It was agreed that not only would there be no action taken by the King against Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, but they would be allowed to accept new official royal roles." Indeed, barely a week after her father relinquished his titles, Beatrice was appointed as the new Deputy Patron for the Outward Bound charity.
Alongside Beatrice, another royal patron for the charity was Prince Edward, with both appointments approved by the monarch. Reflecting on the significant milestone, the expert continued, "With the King's approval, we can expect more of such public engagements by Beatrice and Eugenie, to the surprise of their critics, who worry that they are tainted by the controversies surrounding their parents." While Charles does hold Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson in high regard, he reportedly believes Beatrice and Eugenie should not be punished for their missteps. Commenting on the King's love for the sisters, a source spilled, "It is, perhaps, one of the few things that His Majesty and Andrew agree on...They also agree that the Princesses can play an important, helpful role in public life."
In the wake of Mountbatten-Windsor and Ferguson's downfall, many wondered whether their daughters would also lose their honors, given that their parents were no longer royals. However, this speculation was debunked by royal expert Ailsa Anderson, the late Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary, who told PEOPLE that stripping the sisters of their titles was not possible. She, however, warned, "Even though they keep their titles, the ripple effect will have consequences for the rest of their lives." Beatrice and Eugenie get to keep their honors, given that they are male-line grandchildren of the late Queen.
Considering Beatrice and Eugenie's difficult position, having been unfairly associated with their parents' scandals, Charles and Prince William have reportedly taken pity on them and wish to keep them closer. Royal expert Phil Dampier wrote for Woman's Day, "The King and William have always been fond of Bea and Eugenie, and their husbands, and regard them as innocent victims." According to his sources, they are expected to join the royals for Christmas in Sandringham.