Bea and Eugenie: We laugh and cry at jibes
GROWING up in the public eye can be tough.
And as members of the Royal Family, Princess Beatrice and her sister Eugenie have been through it all – and more.
They spoke frankly yesterday about having every move scrutinised as they dealt with illness, bullying and fashion faux pas.
The daughters of Prince Andrew explained the strength of their family bond as they admitted they had ‘laughed and cried’ over cruel comments about their looks.
Beatrice, 29, addressed thousands of schoolchildren alongside her sister, 27, and discussed how their relationship had helped them. She said: ‘Growing up in the public eye means that every embarrassing, slightly awkward growth spurt or hilarious fashion moment is published around the world. Together we have laughed. Together we have cried.
‘Ultimately though, together we fuelled each other’s sense of humour when stones were being thrown. Reassured each other that people don’t understand how hurtful they can be.’
Eugenie, who is marrying wine merchant Jack Brooksbank, 31, in October, described her older sister as ‘an inspiration’.
She went on to talk about how Beatrice had been an invaluable support after she was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child. ‘I love that, as a team, we work hard to support each other – no matter what,’ she said.
‘When I was 12 I was diagnosed with, and treated for, scoliosis and I have lived with two 12in metal rods in my back.
‘It could have impacted my life and stopped me from doing the things I love.’
Addressing her sister directly, Eugenie said: ‘You encouraged me not to get disheartened, not to give up, to live fearlessly.’
The sisters were speaking at WE Day at Wembley Arena in London – a charity event that celebrates young people who are making a difference in their communities.