Queen Elizabeth’s Name Game: The Royal Rebranding of Princess Beatrice

When Princess Beatrice was born on August 8, 1988, her parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, had a particular name in mind.

However, that plan quickly changed due to the strong opinions of Queen Elizabeth II.

It turns out that the Queen had a significant say in what her granddaughter would be called, showcasing the enduring influence of the monarchy.

Initially, the Duke and Duchess of York chose the name Annabel for their firstborn.

But Her Majesty wasn't having it.

She found the name too trendy and yuppie, which didn't sit well with her royal sensibilities.

As a result, the name Beatrice was settled upon, a choice steeped in royal history and tradition.

This name also happens to belong to Queen Victoria's youngest child, adding another layer of significance.

The process of naming royal babies has always been a delicate dance.

While the Queen's children had the freedom to select names for their offspring, they were still expected to inform the monarch about their choices.

In Beatrice's case, it appears the Queen had the final word, ensuring that the name reflected the royal lineage.

Beatrice's full name, Beatrice Elizabeth Mary, carries deep meaning.

The middle names pay homage to both her grandmother and great-grandmother, linking her to a long line of English queens since 1910.

Similarly, her sister, Princess Eugenie, who was born on March 23, 1990, was given the name Eugenie, which means “well-born” or “noble.”

Her middle names, Victoria Helena, also honor the legacy of Queen Victoria.

The tradition of incorporating the name Elizabeth into royal names continues to this day.

Beatrice, Princess Charlotte, and Lady Louise all share this common middle name, a tribute to the late Queen.

It's a practice that not only honors the past but also solidifies the royal connection for future generations.

In July 2020, Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and they welcomed their daughter Sienna in September 2021.

Sienna also carries the middle name Elizabeth, further cementing the royal legacy within her family.

This choice reflects the ongoing trend of honoring ancestors through the names given to royal children.

Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank have also embraced this tradition.

They named their son August, born in February 2021, after his great-grandfather, Prince Philip.

The name carries emotional weight, especially since Philip passed away just two months after August's birth, making it a poignant tribute.

Their second child, Ernest, born in May 2023, has a name rich with family connections.

His full name, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank, includes several nods to both sides of the family tree.

The name George honors Jack's late father, George Brooksbank, while Ronnie pays tribute to Sarah Ferguson's father, Ronald Ferguson.

This fascinating interplay of names within the royal family highlights how each choice carries a story.