How Duchess Sophie's key move could impact Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

In 2002, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, assumed full-time royal duties and quit their day jobs, and this precedent set could potentially impact Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice's day jobs, according to claims. It was originally done to "shoulder some of the increasing responsibilities" of the monarchy. Prince Edward stepped down as TV production firm Ardent's director of production and joint managing director. Meanwhile, Duchess Sophie ceased her day-to-day involvement in .

Prince Edward said: "It is quite obvious that in this year, the Golden Jubilee, we are required more than ever to support the Queen and to help my family shoulder some of the increasing responsibilities and workload into the future."

Royal sources have said that when Prince William becomes King, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice may become full-time royals.

for royals stepping into full-time duties when he resigned from his architectural firm in 1972.

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was working as a partner in a London architectural practice before assuming full-time royal duties, and this is because the late Queen Elizabeth II relied heavily on support from her royal cousins.

Following the death of his elder brother, Richard became heir apparent to his father's dukedom, and which led him to take on extra roles.

A courtier told the MailOnline: "Although Prince William still believes in a 'slimmed-down monarchy', he is increasingly aware of the hard work of his extended family."

It comes as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, and have now settled in Montecito, California with their two children, meaning existing members of the firm, naturally took on more responsibilities.

Royal commentator Richard Eden has previously expressed support for the York sisters taking on more formal roles, stating that "it would benefit the monarchy", as reported in .

Cousins Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall were previously seen at this summer's party, giving their support to Prince William as he hosted one of the Buckingham Palace garden parties.

While the current arrangement sees Beatrice and Eugenie as non-working royals without taxpayer funding, their status could evolve as the monarchy adapts to changing circumstances.

Leading commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams, previously told Express.co.uk, having many members of the Royal Family at the garden parties, shows "unity". He explained: "It was therefore highly significant to see so many members of the royal family at the Garden Party at the Palace, the first Catherine has attended in two years. A show of unity is especially important when an institution, the most significant for Britain's projection of soft power, faces challenges."