Speculation runs rife as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie make an early exit from Queen's funeral

Their mother Sarah Ferguson too seemed to want to join them but eventually sat back down

PUBLISHED SEP 19, 2022

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie appeared to leave the Queen's funeral early (Anthony Devlin/Getty Image and Mark Large - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND: Royal well-wishers expressed their confusion after they spotted Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie leaving Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral early.

The siblings, 34 and 32, joined other royal family members to pay their last respects to their beloved grandmother at her state funeral at Westminister Abbey on Monday, September 19. But as the funeral service was about to end, the duo stood up and left their seats before any other royals in the congregation.

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Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who were known to be very close to their grandmother, stood in the row of Westminster Abbey to bid their last goodbye to Her Majesty. While Beatrice was joined by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Eugenie was seen standing next to the aisle with her husband Jack Brooksbank.

Princess Beatrice, recently appointed as Counsellor of State, leaves Westminster Abbey during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. — Princess Beatrice, recently appointed as Counsellor of State, leaves Westminster Abbey during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022 in London, England (Joe Maher/Getty Images)

However, they were then spotted leaving Westminster Abbey before the end of the service. Their mother Sarah Ferguson too seemed to want to join them but eventually sat back down. The sisters' inexplicable departure left royal fans baffled, as speculations ran rife.

One viewer asked during the live stream, "Where did Beatrice and Eugenie run off to?" Another said, "What happened with Beatrice and Eugenie? They left their seats and held up the bearer party... even Fergie was going to get up and leave. Strange."

Anyone know why Eugenie and Beatrice left mid ceremony? Sarah Ferguson almost left with them but seems to have been told not to? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LFSbzUDz1F
— Anna (@Anna__with_an_A) September 19, 2022

Another asked on Twitter, "Anyone know why Eugenie and Beatrice left mid-ceremony? Sarah Ferguson almost left with them but seems to have been told not to?"

The royal sisters have been spotted visibly moved and emotional in public since they received the news of their grandmother’s demise. The two posted a heartfelt tribute to their grandmother the Queen following her death.

Princess Beatrice (L), Princess Eugenie after the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. — Princess Beatrice (L), Princess Eugenie after the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England (Hannah McKay - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

"Dearest Grannie, We've not been able to put much into words since you left us all. There have been tears and laughter, silences and chatter, hugs and loneliness, and a collective loss for you, our beloved Queen, and our beloved Grannie," the tribute read.

It added, "We, like many, thought you'd be here forever. And we all miss you terribly. You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever."

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are seen in a car following the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. — Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are seen in a car following the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England (Emilio Morenatti - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

"For now dear Grannie, all we want to say is thank you. Thank you for making us laugh, for including us, for picking heather and raspberries, for marching soldiers, for our teas, for comfort, for joy. You, being you, will never know the impact you have had on our family and so many people around the world. We know that dear Uncle Charles, the King, will continue to lead in your example as he too has dedicated his life to service.

God save the King. With our love, Beatrice and Eugenie," the note ended.

The Queen’s coffin funeral procession from Westminister Hall to Westminister Abbey began at around 10.45 am. The State Gun Carriage carrying the Queen's coffin arrived at the Church just before 11 am. A single toll from Big Ben signaled the start of the service at Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066. Her Majesty will be laid to rest at Windsor next to her beloved husband Prince Philip and her parents, George VI and the Queen Mother.