Royal Survivors: Beatrice & Eugenie
woman & home South Africa|November 2018

The ups and downs of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are well-documented. Ingrid Seward biographer of Sarah Ferguson and long-time friend of Fergies family gives her insider report on the most modern royals of all

Ingrid Seward
Royal Survivors: Beatrice & Eugenie
We all remember when, back in 1986, Prince Andrew became the Duke of York upon his marriage to Sarah Ferguson. When his two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, were born in 1988 and 1990, they were the queen’s only grandchildren to carry the title of princess – her gift to her favourite son. Their father – and many of us – imagined that a lifetime of royal duties awaited the girls. But the modern world intervened, and the girls – neither of whom receive any public funds – were obliged to find employment while still shouldering the responsibilities of being royal.

While still young, the girls were faced with that most modern issue – divorced parents. Andrew was a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, and his duties meant that for much of their early married life, the Duke and Duchess of York were apart. Left on her own at the mercy of the palace hierarchy, who gave little help, Fergie crashed from one blunder to another.

First there was Royal Ascot when she and Diana were photographed poking a friend’s bottom with an umbrella, which the palace considered improper behaviour. Then there was a private dinner in New York when she ‘knighted’ her host’s dog with a butter knife. The final straw for the palace was when she and Diana played at pushing each other down the slopes during a photo call in Switzerland. The palace blamed Fergie for immature behaviour, and it decided she was the source of all ​trouble – the queen’s private secretary summoned her to his office and smoothly insinuated it wasn’t the way a royal duchess should behave. Being the Princess of Wales and the senior royal, Diana never got the blame. Fergie had no one to turn to for advice as to how to handle things – when she needed Andrew most he couldn’t be there.

This story is from the November 2018 edition of woman & home South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2018 edition of woman & home South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN & HOME SOUTH AFRICAView All
Used car SCAMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
woman & home South Africa

Used car SCAMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Whether you're buying or selling, here are the dodgy deals to watch out for

time-read
3 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
Bliss in the BUSH
woman & home South Africa

Bliss in the BUSH

Not even the rain could dampen the spirit and beauty of a visit to Lalibela Game Reserve

time-read
5 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
Caramel CREATIONS
woman & home South Africa

Caramel CREATIONS

Three classic French sweets to round off dinner with friends

time-read
4 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
WINTER houseplant care
woman & home South Africa

WINTER houseplant care

Bring extra greenery and life into your home when it's grey and gloomy outside

time-read
3 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
10 ways to LIVE WELL UNTIL...
woman & home South Africa

10 ways to LIVE WELL UNTIL...

It's the little lifestyle changes that can make a big difference

time-read
3 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
THE DESPAIR Of WINTER
woman & home South Africa

THE DESPAIR Of WINTER

Winter does sap one’s energy, to be sure, and you want to snuggle on the couch with a good book, but for some people, winter brings serious mental health issues

time-read
4 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
IT'S CRUNCH TIME
woman & home South Africa

IT'S CRUNCH TIME

Noisy eaters, beware: Christabel Smith has had and heard! - enough

time-read
3 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
Pillars OF SUPPORT
woman & home South Africa

Pillars OF SUPPORT

We should all be paying it forward, and these women are helping to set an example

time-read
6 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
Gracefully COMMITTED
woman & home South Africa

Gracefully COMMITTED

Anne Hathaway has shaken off her princess crown and is showing the world that she is more than capable of being the queen of the screen through hard work, commitment and being authentically herself

time-read
5 mins  |
Woman&Home; July 2024
Till death do us part
woman & home South Africa

Till death do us part

It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages, said Nietzsche. He may be on to something, says Lorraine Kearney

time-read
3 mins  |
Woman&Home; February 2024