PRINCESS BEATRICE AND PRINCESS EUGENIE

HOW THE SISTERS ARE BECOMING THE RISING STARS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Stepping out together after enjoying a cosy lunch for two, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie’s bond was clear.

The sisters were spotted chatting animatedly as they left a private members’ club in London, where they celebrated Eugenie’s 34th birthday last month.

It was a further sign of how the siblings, once shy teenagers who appeared uncomfortable in the spotlight, are now stylish, self-assured women and becoming the royal family’s secret weapon – indeed, an exclusive hello!  online poll has found they are more popular than ever.

ROLE MODELS

More than half of our readers want to see the Princesses take on more prominent roles, while 82% of our most engaged royal readers consider them great role models as working women, wives and mothers. Among members of hello!’s Royal Club, 78% are in awe at their resilience and 60% consider them rising stars of the royal family.

After blossoming into their roles, the King’s nieces now use their profiles and platform to make a difference for causes close to their hearts.

In addition, they are a calm, dignified and steady presence in the lives of their father the Duke of York, whose stepping down from royal duties is dealt with in two TV dramas, and their mother Sarah, Duchess of York, after her diagnoses with both breast and skin cancer.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Beatrice and Eugenie and the strong, independent young women they have become,” Sarah exclusively tells