King Charles has given Princess Beatrice a special new role just as the scandal revolving around disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor still rumbles on. Princess Beatrice has been appointed Deputy Patron of The Outward Bound Trust, six years after her father, the former Duke of York, stepped down as its Royal Patron after the furore due to his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew’s replacement was also announced, his brother, Prince Edward, during a poignant event for the charity’s supporters at St James’s Palace in London on Thursday. The charity has a mission to inspire young people to realise their potential through learning and adventure in the wild. After Andrew stepped down in 2019, the charity had two Deputy Patrons, Sir Chris Bonington and Lord Kirkham.
Since Tuesday, the Duke of Edinburgh will act as Outward Bound Royal Patron, with Beatrice serving as its Deputy.
The charity said that it’s “delighted” with the new announcement, adding that they have “signalled the start of a new chapter in its mission to support a more adventurous generation, helping young people say yes to challenge and discover what they’re truly capable of.”
Beatrice, who had already served as a Trustee for the charity for six years, and Edward, are following in the footsteps of Prince Philip, who had a longstanding support for Outward Bound.
During the poignant event in London, Edward and Beatrice spoke to students from Walsall Academy in the West Midlands, who shared stories from their Outward Bound adventure in the Lake District earlier this year.
One of the students, Sadie, 18, gave Edward a rowan tree sapling – a symbol of strength, courage and resilience.
Leo, also 18, gave Beatrice a Celtic brooch, representing unity, continuity and good fortune.
Martin Davidson, chief executive of Outward Bound, said: “With The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice working alongside us, we’re embarking on a new chapter.
“One where every young person has the chance to test their limits, build confidence and discover that anything is possible. Their support reflects a shared belief that adventure changes lives.”
It comes as Beatrice’s father, Andrew, has been summoned to appear before the US Congress for questioning over his links to Epstein.
The formal request, sent via a letter asking Andrew to appear before the US Congress, came just days after the disgraced royal was stripped of his titles and honours due to his links to Epstein.