In the British royal family, the issue of titles can be a complex matter, especially concerning the descendants of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite being in the line of succession, several royal family members have chosen not to carry official titles, a decision often rooted in the desire for a more ordinary upbringing.
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Among those without royal titles are Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s children. Princess Beatrice is married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their daughters, Sienna and Athena Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, are respectively 10th and 11th in line to the throne. Although Beatrice holds the title of Princess and was styled as Her Royal Highness since birth, her daughters do not share this royal distinction. Upon her marriage in July 2020, Beatrice’s title changed to Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, reflecting her new status within the family.
Interestingly, while Sienna and Athena lack British royal titles, they do possess titles in Italy. This is due to their father’s lineage as the eldest son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, which means the girls are considered noble donna in Italy. Their father is expected to inherit the family’s ancestral seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi in northern Italy.
Princess Eugenie’s children also do not carry royal titles. Her children, August, Ernest, and Adelaide Brooksbank, occupy the 13th, 14th, and 15th positions in the line of succession. Princess Eugenie, like her cousin Beatrice, holds her title as a princess from birth but chose alongside her husband, Jack Brooksbank, not to accept any titles from the late Queen.
Furthermore, siblings Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, the offspring of Princess Anne and her first husband, Mark Phillips, also do not hold titles. Peter and Zara are the 20th and 23rd in line to the throne. Their mother, Princess Anne, famously declined the Queen’s offer of titles for her children at their birth, believing that a normal upbringing would be more beneficial for them. In a 2020 interview, she stated that there are drawbacks to having titles which justified her decision.
Peter’s daughters, Savannah and Isla Phillips, aged 21 and 22 in the succession line, also go without formal titles. Although they occasionally partake in royal events, their lives remain largely private, notably differing from the public roles of their titled cousins. The sisters have been primarily raised away from the public eye, reflecting their parents’ desire for a less scrutinised life.
Zara’s children, Mia, Lena, and Lucas Tindall, are likewise situated within the succession framework but do not hold any titles. As 24th, 25th, and 26th in line to the throne, they too enjoy a more private existence compared to other members of the royal family.
The decision for many of these royals to forgo titles highlights a growing trend within the monarchy, where a simple life is prioritised over the privileges that come with royal status. This stance can be seen as an effort to cultivate a sense of normalcy for children who, despite their royal lineage, live lives much like their peers.
With the British monarchy evolving and adapting to contemporary values, the choice to live without titles among these royal descendants reflects broader societal shifts. The family appears to be navigating the balance between tradition and personal preferences, showcasing a modern approach to royalty that might resonate with the public.
Ultimately, while not holding royal titles, these members remain firmly entrenched in the line of succession and continue to form part of the influential British royal family narrative. Their choices reflect personal values regarding identity and status, contributing to an ongoing conversation about the role of tradition in today’s monarchy.