Despite Princess Beatrice’s growing presence within the Royal Family, an ex-royal butler claims she is unlikely to be elevated to a senior working royal status under Prince William’s reign. Grant Harrold, who served King Charles at his Highgrove estate between 2004 and 2011, explains how Beatrice has developed a career of her own and also “does her own thing”.
Over the years, Beatrice has taken on more responsibilities within the Royal Family when called upon, all whilst maintaining a separate career as a strategist at tech company Afiniti. Speaking on behalf of Fruity King, he explained: “Beatrice has her own career, so I don’t see William making her a senior member of the working royals.
He added: “They pull ranks when they need the support, and she’s been known to step up. But she has a job and does her own thing. She’s still such a valued member of the family.”
The former butler also added how she has a tactful handling of royal tensions between Prince William and Prince Harry. He explained: “She gets on with William, as well as Harry. I think she’s been very diplomatic with the brothers and their feud. She’ll have been careful to maintain a relationship with both.”
Friday, August 8, marked Princess Beatrice’s 37th birthday, and it was the royal’s first birthday since her youngest daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose, was born, making the occasion extra special.
Athena is 11th in line to the throne, behind her elder sister Sienna, and is the fourth grandchild of the Duke of York and his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York. Beatrice is also stepmum to her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s child, Christopher Woolfe, from Edo’s previous relationship.
Regarding her birthday, Mr Harrold expects a low-key affair. He said: “I think Beatrice will opt for a quiet, private affair, with best wishes from the whole family and a thoughtful gift from King Charles. He doesn’t tend to give money, so I imagine he’d give Beatrice a piece of jewellery.”
Harrold added that Princess Beatrice is highly respected by the entire Royal Family, particularly by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
“The King will be eager to celebrate Princess Beatrice,” he revealed. “King Charles and Queen Camilla remain close to both Beatrice and Eugenie. Beatrice is well-liked across the Royal Family and often steps in to support. While the celebrations may be a private affair, a celebration is expected, reflecting her quiet but valued presence within the Firm.”
As Princess Beatrice is not a full-time working royal like her cousin Prince William, she and Edo juggle full-time jobs with parenthood.
The couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary on July 17, and the Banda Property founder marked the milestone with a loving tribute on Instagram to his wife. At the time, he wrote: “Happy 5th Anniversary to my incredible partner, the most beautiful and amazing wife. I cherish every moment we’ve spent together and am deeply grateful for our journey. Here’s to countless more years filled with laughter and tons of love!”
