Why Beatrice and Eugenie living rent-free is a risk for the royals
This Is Why
Sky News
4.0 • 552 Ratings
🗓️ 5 June 2026
⏱️ 20 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
The idea of two princesses living in luxury while the King pays their rent may have seemed normal in days gone by – but surely not in 2026.
Beatrice and Eugenie, the daughters of former prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, have been enjoying that very arrangement despite being non-working royals.
So, who are Beatrice and Eugenie? How have they navigated the scandal over their parents' links to Jeffrey Epstein? And is it right the King still pays their rent?
Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's royal correspondent Laura Bundock.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Sky News, the full story first. |
| 0:09.5 | Despite not being working royals, |
| 0:14.2 | Andrew Moutbatten Windsor's daughters, |
| 0:16.0 | have been living in Crown properties rent-free. |
| 0:19.5 | And this is why. |
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| 0:56.0 | They are best known for being the daughters of Andrew Mountbatten, Windsor and Sarah Ferguson. |
| 1:12.2 | Princess Eugenie. |
| 1:13.4 | As young working women in the public eye, we've had to learn some lessons the hard way. |
| 1:18.7 | And Princess Beatrice. |
| 1:20.0 | Growing up in the public eye means that every embarrassing, slightly awkward growth spurt |
| 1:26.1 | or hilarious fashion moment are published around the world. |
| 1:30.6 | And it isn't just unfortunate haircuts or outlandish wedding hats. They're back in the news |
| 1:35.7 | thanks to a National Audit Office report on their palatial accommodation and who pays for it. |
... |
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