Princess Beatrice stepped in to cover for her cousin Prince William at an official event this week, adding further weight to the speculation that King Charles might consider asking more of his niece.

While William and the King were welcoming the Japanese Emperor and Empress for a state visit on June 25, Beatrice attended the Earthshot Prize’s Water Roundtable.

The Prince of Wales founded his beloved Earthshot Prize in 2020 but was more than happy for Beatrice to take his place this time around, despite her not being a working royal.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s eldest daughtern joined investors and philanthropists who had gathered to “explore water as an emerging investment theme” as the royals continue to make efforts to increase sustainability.

A fan account for the royal, @HRHBeaOfYork, posted pictures of Beatrice at the event with the caption: “While Prince William was busy, Princess Beatrice @yorkiebea stepped in and took part in the #EarthshotPrize Water Roundtable, which brought together investors and philanthropists to explore water as an emerging investment theme.”

This week the Firm were dealt another blow after Princess Anne was hospitalised for concussion after she was allegedly kicked by a horse at her Gatcombe Park home.

Anne is often heralded as the hardest-working royal, despite being 73 years old, but was unable to attend the Japanese State Banquet this week.

It is not known when Princess Kate will be back at work, having made a return to the public eye at Trooping the Colour on June 15 after months at home.