Princess Beatrice of York, by her full name Beatrice Elizabeth Mary, is the elder daughter of Sarah Ferguson, former Duchess of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, before her parents divorced. She was born on 8th August 1988 and is the fifth female in line for the succession to the British throne, which includes over 16 independent royal British states.
Princess Beatrice started her early education at Upton House School in London and continued by attending secondary school, Coworth Park School starting from 1995. Her father, Prince Andrew, had suggested that both his princess daughters should attend the Aiglon College in Switzerland for their higher education. However, the fact that Princess Beatrice had been diagnosed with dyslexia led her to postponing her GCSE examinations at St. George’s School for a year. In her final year at the school she was Head Girl.
Princess Beatrice went on to attain her GSEs and ‘A’levels and to attend Goldsmith’s College, University of London to study history and history of ideas. The Princess is due to graduate from University in 2011 when she will also get more involved in the public life of the Royal Family. She undertook work experience at Selfridge’s and is said to be keen on a career in fashion, perhaps doing some work in the United States.
As royal duties, the Princess is yet too young to take part in the decision making activities of the Royal family or to attend too many public engagements, due to her studies. However, she has started fulfilling her royal duties by representing the Royal family in numerous social events, where she has even attended with her sister in the name of their parents. Princess Beatrice was titled as Her Royal Highness at the moment of her baptism, a decision made by the Queen Mother. Her sister, Princess Eugenie also enjoys the honorary title of Princess, Her Royal Highness.
Even though the British Royal Family and certainly her parents were exposed to the media many times on controversial issues, it has not been the case for Princess Beatrice as she has been spared by the cruel eye of the British tabloids so far. However, there is one detail of her personal life that caught the eye of the press lately, and this is represented by her relationship with Paolo Liuzzo. Their personal relationship became even more interesting for the press, after it has been proven that Paolo was involved in the death of an American student. This was said to have caused their separation and the end of their relationship.
As far as personal interests and social involvement, Princess Beatrice followed the example of her mother, Sarah Ferguson, when deciding to get involved in several charitable activities. She has supported HIV charities and got involved in several other youth cancer center voluntary plans.
As far as ‘extra-‘ activities are concerned, it can also be mentioned that Princess Beatrice took the role in a film, in The Young Victoria, which portrayed the coronation of her great-great-great grandmother who was the Queen Victoria of England and her marriage to Prince Albert. The Royal Family has seen to it that Princess Beatrice and her sister, Princess Eugenie have been involved in the Royal duties gradually and proportionally with their age, a decision that has offered the two princesses a more normal childhood that many of the British Royal Family have been able to enjoy.
- Full Name: Beatrice Elizabeth Mary
- Father: Prince Andrew, Duke of York
- Mother: Princess Sarah, former Duchess of York
- Born: 8 August 1988
- Married: No
- Children: None
