Princess Beatrice: The Last Unmarried Royal Cousin

When the news broke that Princess Eugenie was set to walk down the aisle in 2018, it naturally sparked a wave of curiosity about her older sister, Princess Beatrice. Let’s face it, people just can’t resist the drama of a younger sibling tying the knot before the older one, and Beatrice holds the distinction of being the last unmarried member of the senior group of royal cousins. For now, Prince Edward’s children, Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount James Severn, are still too young to join the matrimonial club.

Beatrice's Love Story: A Journey Through the Years

Let’s rewind a few years to when all eyes were on Princess Beatrice as she seemed poised to follow in her cousin Prince William’s footsteps. Her decade-long relationship with Dave Clarke captured the public’s imagination and the media’s spotlight. It seemed like a fairytale was in the works, but alas, things didn’t go as planned. In 2016, the couple parted ways, reportedly after Beatrice gave Clarke an ultimatum. Now, Clarke is engaged to another woman, an American named Lynn Anderson.

Princess Beatrice and Dave Clarke.

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Royal Approval and Moving On

Rumors have swirled that Dave Clarke wasn’t exactly the royal family’s favorite suitor, to the point where he didn’t make the guest list for William and Kate’s 2011 wedding. Since their split, Beatrice hasn’t been linked to anyone serious, though her recent move to New York for a job at the American software company Afiniti has sparked some gossip. In the Big Apple, she’s been seen hanging out with Michael Hess, an American oil heir and a close friend of her ex, Clarke.

The York Princesses Under the Spotlight

Over the years, Princess Beatrice and her sister Eugenie have faced criticism in the press for their perceived extravagant lifestyles and alleged lack of work ethic. Beatrice, in particular, has been called out for indulging in luxury holidays—she reportedly took 18 vacations in 2015 alone. Family tensions also came to light in 2016 when their father, Prince Andrew, reportedly had a falling out with his brother Prince Charles after Charles pulled their publicly funded police protection. As the royal family expanded with the addition of Kate Middleton, the York princesses saw their official royal roles scaled back.

Eugenie and Jack.

What Lies Ahead for Princess Beatrice?

As the royal family grows, Beatrice and Eugenie's place in the line of succession shifts further down. After the arrival of the Duchess of Cambridge’s third child in April, they will be eighth and ninth in line to the throne. The Times noted, “As the royal family expands, they will slide down the line of succession into royal obscurity.” The question remains: if Princess Beatrice does get married, will her wedding match the grandeur of her sister’s? Only time will tell.

This article was written by Rebecca Cope and originally appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily.