The Reign of William Begins: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Delighted with “New Titles” Bestowed by William — But the Appointment Ceremony Sparks Nationwide Backlash
In a historic and headline-grabbing move, Prince William — now officially King William V following the abdication of King Charles III — has begun his reign with a bold gesture aimed at redefining the monarchy’s future. During a formal yet emotionally charged ceremony at Windsor Castle, King William bestowed new royal titles upon his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie — a decision that has delighted the sisters but ignited fierce debate across the United Kingdom.
According to palace sources, Beatrice has been granted the title Duchess of Kendal, while Eugenie will now be known as the Duchess of Inverness — both honorifics that have not been used in decades. The move is seen as a personal gesture by King William to recognize the loyalty and low-key service the two daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have shown throughout years of royal turbulence.
“This is not just about tradition,” William reportedly said during the private portion of the ceremony. “It’s about honoring those who have upheld the values of family, discretion, and service — especially in times when those values were tested.”
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were visibly moved by the honors, expressing gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. In a joint statement released shortly after the ceremony, the sisters said: “We are deeply touched by His Majesty’s faith in us. We look forward to continuing our service to the Crown and country in these new roles.”
However, not everyone is celebrating.
As news of the appointments broke, criticism poured in from various corners of the British public and media. Much of the backlash centers not on Beatrice and Eugenie themselves — who are generally well-liked — but on their father, Prince Andrew. His ongoing controversies and public disgrace have tainted public perception of his daughters’ roles in royal affairs, and many feel their elevation sends the wrong message at the start of William’s reign.
“People are still reeling from the unresolved questions surrounding Prince Andrew,” said royal commentator Lydia Harper. “To grant his daughters prestigious titles just days into William’s rule — regardless of their personal reputations — was always going to be provocative.”
Social media erupted with mixed reactions. While some hailed the decision as a fresh start and an act of familial loyalty, others accused the monarchy of ignoring public sentiment. Hashtags like #ToneDeafTitles and #NotMyDuchess began trending, with critics demanding greater transparency from the new king.
Meanwhile, political figures have begun weighing in, with several MPs calling for a parliamentary review of royal appointments. “The British people deserve to know the basis for these decisions,” one MP commented. “The monarchy cannot afford to alienate the public with tone-deaf symbolism.”
