Princess Beatrice has chosen to maintain a low profile following the recent arrest of her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on his 66th birthday, February 19, 2023. The princess resides quietly at her home in the Cotswolds, away from public scrutiny. Interestingly, she had previously declined an opportunity to live in a property gifted to her and her sister, Princess Eugenie, by their grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In 1997, the young princesses were offered Birch Hall, a Grade II-listed property in Surrey valued at £1.5 million. The home, which boasts seven bedrooms and is set on over five acres of land, was purchased by trustees on behalf of the Queen. Despite this generous gift, neither Beatrice nor Eugenie ever moved into the residence.
Concerns over the property’s upkeep influenced their decision. Their mother, Sarah Ferguson, expressed worries about the financial implications of maintaining such a large estate. Consequently, the family remained in their former marital home, Sunninghill Park, following Andrew and Sarah’s separation in 1992 and their divorce in 1996. Andrew left Sunninghill Park in 2004, relocating to Royal Lodge in Windsor, while Sarah and her daughters departed in 2006.
With the princesses having declined their grandmother’s gift, Birch Hall was sold in 1999. The property underwent substantial renovations, which included enhancements to its amenities. By 2016, it was listed on the market for £4.2 million, reflecting its updated status. The renovations introduced a media and games room, an orangery, and a home gym, alongside the existing tennis court and heated outdoor swimming pool.
Andrew Russell from estate agency Strutt and Parker described Birch Hall as “one of the very best of north Surrey’s village houses.” He noted its impressive design features, including high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling sash windows, and a scenic garden filled with Victorian-era trees. The reconfiguration of the staircase and relocation of the kitchen to overlook the garden and pool further enhanced the property’s appeal.
While Beatrice did not reside in Birch Hall, she later shared an apartment with Eugenie at St. James’s Palace in London. Currently, she lives with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their daughters, four-year-old Sienna and one-year-old Athena, in a six-bedroom farmhouse in the Cotswolds. The property is designed for privacy, featuring a six-foot fence surrounding it, allowing Beatrice to enjoy a quieter life alongside her family.
This decision underscores a lifestyle choice that prioritizes family and personal comfort over royal expectations. As the royal family navigates ongoing challenges, Princess Beatrice’s choices reflect a desire for stability and normalcy away from public life.
