Charlie Proctor offers his thoughts on why The King’s well-intentioned vision for a slimmed down monarchy hasn’t worked, and says it’s perhaps time for young blood, in the form of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to step up.

Rumours are swirling in the royal world that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have effectively been put on ice, with the future monarch, King William, deciding what role his cousins should play during his reign.

In an interview with HELLO!, royal expert Ingrid Seward claimed that the sisters could become part of ‘The Firm’ of working royals if that is the desire of Prince William when he becomes King.

What an excellent idea! Better still – defrost the York sisters right away and give them official roles and responsibilities!

The King’s vision of a slimmed down monarchy was no doubt dreamt up with good intentions. His Majesty not wanting ‘clinger ons’, and for The Royal Family to be seen as being conscious to the fact their activities are funded by the public purse.

But a slimmed down monarchy just hasn’t worked.

Firstly, Harry and Meghan decided to abandon royal duties for a life of celebrity in America. Next, Prince Andrew quit his life as a working royal in shame following his disastrous and offensive interview regarding his former friendship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Fair enough you might say, no great loss. We still have plenty of royals to keep the boat afloat. That is… until we don’t.

Last year demonstrated this better than most. Completely unforeseen reasons meant both The King and the Princess of Wales were prevented from undertaking royal duties. Through no fault of their own, an already stretched monarchy became even more strained.

With the exception of the Prince & Princess of Wales and the Duke & Duchess of Edinburgh, all working members of The Royal Family are now elderly.

The 89-year-old Duke of Kent is admirable in his dedication to duty, as is the 80-year-old Duke of Gloucester, and 74-year-old Princess Royal. But it is a sad fact of life they will have no choice but to slow down one day.

And what then? There is no Prince Harry to assist his brother when he takes to the throne. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis may be too young, or could be focussing on their studies.

The Firm is in trouble. Slimmed down monarchy actually means lack of monarchy in the communities, with charities and organisations without royal visits and representation.

So I say, step up the York Sisters!

Whilst perhaps unlikely they will take on official royal duties during the reign of King Charles III, I certainly hope they will do so during the reign of William.

Beatrice and Eugenie are young, enthusiastic, philanthropic, and most importantly – are willing.

It is well known that Princess Anne’s children have no desire to partake in official royal duties, but the same can’t be said for Andrew’s daughters.

It just seems like such a common sense solution. I’ve seen first hand the impact royal feet on the ground can have at small charities and events. Beatrice and Eugenie can bring back the magic we have otherwise lost.