Queen Elizabeth’s Generosity Towards Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been known for her generosity towards her family, particularly her grandchildren. From gifting Prince William and Prince Harry stunning homes on their wedding days to bestowing valuable gifts upon Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, the late monarch spared no expense when it came to spoiling her loved ones.
One notable gift that Queen Elizabeth gave to Princess Beatrice and her younger sister, Princess Eugenie, was Birch Hall – a seven-bedroom Georgian mansion located in Surrey. The property, which sits on five acres of land, features luxurious amenities such as a tennis court, swimming pool, and a separate two-bedroom house. It was the perfect home for the princesses and their mother, Sarah Ferguson, to reside in.
The Decision to Auction Off Birch Hall
Despite the grandeur of Birch Hall, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie never actually moved into the property. The house remained vacant for two years following the Queen’s purchase in 1997. According to reports, Sarah Ferguson was reluctant to move in due to the high running and maintenance costs associated with the estate.
As a result, the decision was made to sell Birch Hall just two years after it was acquired by the Queen. Estate agents cited a “change of circumstance” as the reason for the sale, and the funds from the sale were placed in a trust for the princesses to access when they matured.
Andrew Russell from Strutt and Parker described Birch Hall as one of the best village houses in north Surrey, highlighting its attractive features and imposing appearance. The property was ultimately sold to new owners in 1999, marking the end of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s potential residence at Birch Hall.
Princess Beatrice’s Wedding Day Gift from Queen Elizabeth
In addition to Birch Hall, Princess Beatrice received another special gift from her grandmother on her wedding day. In July 2020, Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a modest ceremony that was attended by only a few guests, including the Queen and the late Prince Philip.
For her nuptials, Princess Beatrice wore a vintage dress from the Queen’s personal collection. The gown, designed by Norman Hartnell, had previously been worn by the Queen at glamorous events in the 1960s. Beatrice also donned the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, a stunning piece borrowed from the Queen herself that had been worn by the monarch on her own wedding day.
Royal writer Penny Junor praised the Queen’s gesture, noting that it demonstrated the monarch’s fondness for her granddaughter. The choice to lend Beatrice the tiara that she wore on her own wedding day was seen as a touching display of solidarity and love between the two generations of royals.
Overall, Queen Elizabeth’s generosity towards Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie has left a lasting legacy of love and support within the royal family. From lavish homes to priceless wedding day gifts, the Queen’s gestures have shown her commitment to her grandchildren’s happiness and well-being.
