The future appears uncertain for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie amidst their parents’ public scrutiny due to their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. While Beatrice was photographed visiting her father, Prince Andrew, and Sarah Ferguson at Royal Lodge after his decision to relinquish his title, Eugenie has not been seen. Both sisters seem to be distancing themselves from their parents as the controversy continues.
Lately, the sisters have been infrequent visitors to Royal Lodge, a substantial property they once resided in. Pressure mounts on Andrew to surrender the estate; there were intentions to pass it on to his daughters.
Back in 1997, the sisters missed out on an inheritance when they were gifted a £1.5 million mansion in Surrey by the Queen. The Grade II-listed Birch Hall was acquired by trustees on behalf of the Queen post Sarah and Andrew’s divorce in 1996. However, the princesses never occupied the property as their mother was concerned about the maintenance costs.
The mansion, situated in Windlesham, remained unoccupied for two years following its sale in 1999 for £1.5 million. Subsequently, it was listed for sale in 2016 for £4.2 million by the private buyers who purchased it from the royal family.
Birch Hall features seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, and five living areas on five acres of land with a tennis court, outdoor heated swimming pool, and a separate two-bedroom staff cottage. The subsequent owners added a media room, games room, orangery, and home gym.
When Birch Hall was put up for sale in 2016, estate agent Andrew Russell described it as one of the finest village houses in north Surrey with extensive grounds and impressive features.
Princess Beatrice resides in a £3.5 million Cotswolds farmhouse with her husband and children, while Eugenie splits her time between Ivy Cottage in Kensington Palace and their primary residence in Portugal.