"I think the one thing I've done incredibly well – although I say it myself – is that I'm a really good mum. And I think that my girls show that".
Sarah, Duchess of York
I love that quote - and to me it's very interesting that the Duchess, usually so modest about her personal achievements, is positively shouting to the rooftops about a good mum!
So is she right? Well, let's look at how her kids turned out...
First, HRH Princess Beatrice. Born 8th August 1988. She conquered the difficulties of severe dyslexia in getting herself a really good education and finally a 2:1 in History and History of Ideas at Goldsmiths College, London. She combines a high-flying business career (Director of Partnerships and Strategy for Afiniti) with numerous charity patronages and appearances at Royal events. In April 2010, she became the first member of the Royal Family to complete the London Marathon, and in 2012 climbed Mont Blanc. In both endeavours she helped to raise money for Big Change, a charity she co-founded, which identifies and supports projects throughout the UK that improve the lives of young people. She is heavily involved in dyslexia charities, the Teenage Cancer Trust, and her mother's charity StreetChild.
HRH Princess Eugenie of York was born on 23 March 1990. She too had hardship to overcome in her childhood - specifically scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. She required a long and complex operation at the age of 12, inserting a rid to straighten it. Since then, helping other scoliosis sufferers has been very close to her heart. She became Patron of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s Redevelopment Appeal in April, 2012, which raised money for an accommodation unit called Princess Eugenie House. She is also patron of the European School of Osteopathy. Her many other charities include Teenage Cancer Trust, Charity:water, the Anti-Slavery Collective (which she co-founded) and Key to Freedom. Academically, she is also highly intelligent, gaining a degree in English Literature, History and Politics from Newcastle. She is passionate about art, and works as a Director of a top London gallery.
On 12th October 2018 she married Mr. Jack Brooksbank in Windsor. Generously choosing to share their special day with the public, they were acclaimed by cheering crowds after a beautiful ceremony that touched the hearts of millions! In a brave gesture, the Princess' stunning bridal dress revealed to the world the scar of her scoliosis operation, once again acting as a role model for others scoliosis sufferers.
I think it's pretty clear from the above paragraphs that Beatrice and Eugenie turned out to be not only exceptional Princesses but exceptional human beings! They have followed in their parents' footsteps to be wonderful role models for all the people who look up to them. Whatever the Yorks have done as family - it worked!
Above all they have always stayed united as a family. Sarah often says of her family that "a table can only stand on four legs" - it's a clever little metaphor for how the four of them always stand together and support each other!
An important part of this family unity was how the Duke and Duchess never let their divorce stop them from bringing up their children together. They even lived in the same house together with their girls (though admittedly this is a little easier if the house in question is a 30-room palace like Royal Lodge!)
Anyone can see the unique and special bond that Sarah has with her daughters. In fact, she can sometimes seem more like an older sister to them, or a best friend! She is often been seen out and about with one or both of the Princesses on London's elite social scene, at restaurants and even at nightclubs like Annabel's, Lulu's or the Chiltern Firehouse. They often holiday together - skiing in Switzerland or soaking up the sun in St. Tropez. Beatrice and Eugenie seem to really enjoy spending time with their mum! To me, Sarah always comes across as so much younger than her years. Just look at any photos of them together, and you can see they're laughing, joking, having fun!
In fact, one thing I love about the York ladies is that their love and affection is so OPEN! Several photous appeared in the press in 2018 of a very sweet note taped up in the back of the Duchess' chauffeur-driven Bentley. It was a message from her daughters saying "We love you Mummy"! The fact that this slip of paper was up there for months on end shows what it meant to her!
As for Sarah's affection for her girls, it's there for all to see. Just check her social media accounts to see how many posts trumpet her pride in her daughters' achievements! And whenever she's out in public, on her wrist you will see a magnificent gold bracelet with diamonds spelling "Beatrice" on one side and "Eugenie" on the other!
Of course it's not only love that the Duke and Duchess passed on to their daughters but also strong moral values and compassion for others. When the girls were young, Sarah took them with her to visit sick children in hospital. She wanted them to realise how lucky they were, and never take things for granted. They learned to share in their mother's compassion. In an interview she gave for her 18th birthday, Beatrice talks of wanting to emulate her mother and says she wants to be a "mini-Mummy".
At the same time they saw at first hand their parents' hard work and dedication to their Royal duties. They saw that their Royal status gave them a unique opportunity to make a difference in the world. Their exalted position made them role models, and gave a responsibility to live up to the expectations of those who admire them.
Of course the biggest change in Sarah's relationship with her daughters has surely been Eugenie's marriage. And yet their bond remains as close as ever. Sarah (and Andrew) are delighted by Jack and really do see him as a son. Just watch the video of Sarah arriving at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and look at that big hug she gives Jack!
In conclusion, it's clear that the York sisters have received an incredibly loving and supportive upbringing from their parents. But they themselves deserve the credit for taking charge of their own lives, and navigating the difficult path of being modern career women and also Princesses. After all, our parents guide us and mold us, and give us our moral compass, but we take the decisions that shape our lives. They have stood up for the values of their family and the institution they represent. They have lead by example and inspired their fans.
And what can we say about Sarah as a mother? That, alongside the Duke (such a loving and supportive father), she has raised two exceptional young women. That she has been part of a much-loved family who have supported each other through thick and thin. And that the greatest joy and the greatest pride of her life are her two beautiful Princesses. On her wrist shine the diamonds that spell out "Beatrice" and "Eugenie". But her mother's love shines even brighter in her heart, and no diamond could ever be as precious as her girls are to her!
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