Princess Beatrice praised for 'honest words' in first speech since Prince Andrew stepped down

Princess Beatrice

Princess Beatrice has urged others to be 'authentic' in her first speech since her father Prince Andrew stepped back from royal duties.

Prince Beatrice works as the Vice President of Partnerships and Strategy for the software firm, Afiniti, and attended the Christmas event for Women in Cable Telecommunications earlier this week.

At the event she was praised for giving an honest speech, in which she opened up about suffering from imposter syndrome, and urged others to be 'authenthic'.

"You have to find a way to be yourself, to be authentic. I have impostor syndrome every day but it’s something we all have to overcome”, she said in her speech.

See more

Rebecca Pike, Director of External Communications and Digital Media at Liberty Global, tweeted after the event, 'Kudos to #PrincessBeatrice for her honest words at a @WICT_UK #wictuk #inspirationalwomen event this evening. “You have to find a way to be yourself, to be authentic. I have imposter syndrome every day but it’s something we all have to overcome.'

The speech was the first since Prince Andrew announced that he would be stepping back from royal duties, following his controversial interview with BBC Newsnight about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The statement read, ‘It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.

‘Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission.

‘I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein. His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathise with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure. I can only hope that, in time, they will be able to rebuild their lives. Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.’

Mariana Cerqueira

Mariana is the managing editor of woman&home. She has previously worked for lifestyle titles including GoodtoKnow covering all aspects of women’s lifestyle - from the Royal Family, beauty and fashion to wellness and travel. She was nominated for AOP Digital Journalist of the Year in 2020, and for New Digital Talent of the Year at the 2016 PPA Digital Awards. She’s mildly obsessed with TV (reality TV shows included) and spends far too much time planning her next trip away.