The meteoric RISE OF THE SISTERHOOD

Have the York Princesses - once the butt of the joke over those wedding hats become the indispensable.. jewel in the Royal Family's crown?

- KERRY PARNELL

Their father's reputation continues to be diminished by seemingly endless scandal, yet Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are blossoming in popularity. In fact, by doing things their own way, the unshakable pair have become the palace's secret weapons. Valued members of the Royal Family, Beatrice and Eugenie have a strong relationship with King Charles and Prince Harry, raising hopes that Eugenie, in particular, could help broker a peace deal within the fractured family.

Tatler declared 2024 'the year of the York sisters', calling them the 'Crown's saving graces' in a turbulent year. Meanwhile, motherhood has only made the pair stronger. It's a marquee year for both - Eugenie turns 35, while Beatrice, 36, is expecting the newest royal baby. Woman investigates how they successfully went from fashion disaster to style icons, royal linchpins, and thoroughly modern mums...

Blended Beatrice Having married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a lockdown ceremony five years ago, Beatrice is expecting the newest royal baby in spring – who’ll be 11th in line to the throne and sibling to daughter Sienna, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight, who she calls her ‘bonus son’.

When Buckingham Palace announced the princess’ pregnancy in October, the statement made sure to include Wolfie. In December Beatrice was snapped arriving with Wolfie and Sienna at the King’s pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, and they all spent Christmas Day at Sandringham.