Prince Andrew’s daughters could undertake some official roles this year, according to a royal expert.

Princesses Beatrice, 36, and Eugenie, 34, are nieces of King Charles but are not working royals.

The sisters and their families live more ordinary lives, earning a living for themselves and not benefiting from taxpayer-funded security.

Although the sisters seem to be happy as they are, one royal expert believes they could soon be recruited to step up for the Royal Family if the King’s idea of a slimmed-down monarchy does not work as planned.

Katie Nicholl told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “I think the King’s whole idea of a slimmed-down monarchy is something that is having to be readdressed because of circumstances within the Royal Family.

“When you look at Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, they’ve been very much encouraged to go and live independent lives of the Royal Family, to earn their own living, not to be dependent on taxpayer-funded security, not to be a drain, I suppose, on the public purse. So it would be a step in a different direction.”

The Plan B approach could be put into force after a “brutal” year for the Royal Family, in the words of Prince William.

This was because both the King and Princess Kate had to temporarily step back from royal duties for cancer treatment.

Kate is gradually returning to work following the end of her chemotherapy in October. The monarch, 76, is continuing with royal engagements while still undergoing treatment.

Other royals have also taken on more roles and responsibilities over the past 12 months, including Prince William, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie.

Princess Anne, who turns 75 this year, has also expressed a desire to continue working as she gets older.

The Princess Royal shut down retirement questions in an interview at the end of her first 2025 royal tour to South Africa last week.

When asked about the possibility of retiring, Anne said: “It really isn’t written in, no. It isn’t really an option, no, I don’t think so.”