NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Royals

Princess Beatrice: The secret her parents kept for years

One was NOT amused! - by Alice Murphy
  • 06 Jun 2019

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are a marvelously modern royal couple who aren't afraid of breaking with tradition.

From shunning the signature birth location of London's Lindo Wing - made popular by Princess Diana - to choosing a wholly unexpected moniker for their newborn son, Archie Harrison, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made it clear they're doing things in their own unique way, come what may.

But three decades before H & M welcomed their first child, the royal family were gearing up for the arrival of another bundle of joy.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson married in a resplendent royal wedding at London's Westminster Abbey in 1986, and two years later Fergie gave birth to their first daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York.

WATCH this video for a look back on Bea's early years:

The Duke and Duchess of York were trailblazers of their time, shocking royal fans by choosing an unusual name for their little girl.

According to reports from 1988, not a single British punter placed a bet on 'Beatrice' to be the royal baby name, with hot favourites including Victoria and Elizabeth after her grandmother the Queen.

But while 'Bea' may have seemed a forward thinking, tradition-breaking title for the little princess, in 1988 The Sun newspaper claimed that the Duke of York and his wife actually wanted to call their first daughter Annabel.

The name was reportedly vetoed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who rejected the moniker for being "too yuppie", Express.co.uk reports.

princess beatrice

Princess Beatrice with mum Fergie and dad Prince Andrew in 2000

Getty Images

This decision could have been connected to the name (and reputation) of upscale Mayfair club Annabel's, a favourite haunt of Andrew, Fergie and other young members of the royal family.

Ironically, Princess Beatrice has been a regular at Annabel's for many years now, and was recently photographed leaving after hours venue with her mum and new boyfriend, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

Flame haired Fergie was branded a "minor social revolutionary" by H.B. Brooks-Baker who also noted the York's decision to use just two middle names instead of the usual three or four given to children of the House of Windsor.

Princess Beatrice's full title is Beatrice Elizabeth Mary, given to her in honour of her ancestor Queen Victoria's youngest child.

queen and princess beatrice

The Princess of York with her grandmother Queen Elizabeth

Getty Images

Prince Charles, in comparison, was given the full name Charles Philip Arthur George.

Beatrice's youngest sister Princess Eugenie - full name Eugenie Victoria Helena - was also named after the legendary Queen Victoria.

Her first name honours Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, Queen Victoria's granddaughter, while her middle name comes from Princess Helena, Queen Victoria's daughter.

With just one year's age difference between them, Princesses of York enjoy a famously close bond.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in 2016

Getty Images

Earlier this week, the royal sisters were spotted on a double date in London's Notting Hill with Eugenie's new husband Jack Brooksbank and Bea's beau Edo.

Eugenie, 29, married Jack in a fairytale royal wedding in October at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Beatrice, 30, has been quietly dating real estate millionaire Edo since late last year, making their official debut as a couple at the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor in May.

  • Royals
  • Queen Elizabeth
  • Prince Charles
  • Sarah Ferguson
  • Beatrice and Eugenie
Alice Murphy
Alice Murphy is a freelance journalist and self-professed news addict. Originally from Ireland, Alice is on a mission to visit every country in the world (telling stories along the way). She is most commonly found eating sushi, drinking strong coffee and reading horoscopes.

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

"They're so strong": Fergie praises her daughters' courage

"They're so strong": Fergie praises her daughters' courage

Awkward! Princess Eugenie pregnancy clashes with sister Beatrice’s wedding announcement

Awkward! Princess Eugenie pregnancy clashes with sister Beatrice’s wedding announcement

Sarah Ferguson reveals real reason for Prince Andrew split

Sarah Ferguson reveals real reason for Prince Andrew split

The Queen’s fury at Sarah Ferguson revealed

{headline}

{headline}

Sarah Ferguson and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie put on united front as they attend Ellie Goulding's wedding

Sarah Ferguson and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie put on united front as they attend Ellie Goulding's wedding

Princess Eugenie shares gorgeous family photo

Princess Eugenie shares gorgeous family photo

Gorgeous pics: Fergie dazzles in new photos from brother's wedding

Gorgeous pics: Fergie dazzles in new photos from brother's wedding

{headline}

{headline}

Emotional Fergie confirms news about Prince Andrew

Emotional Fergie confirms news about Prince Andrew

Is this PROOF Fergie and Andrew are getting remarried?

Is this PROOF Fergie and Andrew are getting remarried?

Princess Eugenie shares RARE photo of her best friend

Sarah Duchess of York posts heartbreakingly beautiful tribute to Princess Diana

Exciting news for Princess Eugenie!

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew recreate their first date

Princess Beatrice's friend Karlie Kloss just revealed her Instagram

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to New Idea & save!