Princess Beatrice has opted out of a significant real estate gift from her grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. The property, valued at £1.5 million, is Birch Hall, a Grade II-listed mansion located in Surrey. While the princess currently resides in the Cotswolds, her decision not to move into the gifted home has drawn attention, especially in light of recent events involving her father, Prince Andrew, who was arrested on February 19, 2023, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
In 1997, Beatrice, now 37, and her sister, Princess Eugenie, 35, were offered the property as a gesture from their grandmother. Birch Hall, which boasts seven bedrooms and spans over five acres, was acquired by trustees acting on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite the generous offer, the princesses never took residence in the home.
Princess Beatrice’s decision to decline the property was reportedly influenced by concerns from their mother, Sarah Ferguson. After the separation of Andrew and Sarah in 1992 and their subsequent divorce in 1996, the family continued to live at Sunninghill Park, their previous marital home. Beatrice and Eugenie chose to remain in this environment, leading to the eventual sale of Birch Hall in 1999.
What became of Birch Hall? After its sale, the property underwent extensive renovations. When it returned to the market in 2016, it was listed for £4.2 million. The enhancements included a media and games room, an orangery, and a home gym, alongside existing features such as a tennis court and an al-fresco swimming pool. Andrew Russell from estate agency Strutt and Parker described Birch Hall as “one of the very best of north Surrey’s village houses,” highlighting its attractive Georgian architecture and impressive grounds.
Currently, Princess Beatrice resides with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their two daughters, Sienna and Athena, in a farmhouse in the Cotswolds. The property, surrounded by a six-foot fence for added privacy, is a stark contrast to the bustling life in London, where she previously shared an apartment with Princess Eugenie at St. James’s Palace.
As the family navigates the complexities surrounding Prince Andrew’s legal troubles, Princess Beatrice’s choice to maintain a low profile in the Cotswolds underscores her desire for privacy amidst the ongoing scrutiny.
