Princess Beatrice gives young leaders advice inspired by Prince Philip

Princess Beatrice shared a lesson she learned from her grandfather Prince Philip at her last public appearance before his death – explaining how he encouraged her not to become ‘obsessed with solutions’ and to focus on the journey to get there instead.

The Queen’s granddaughter, 32, divulged the words of wisdom inspired by the late Duke of Edinburgh, who died yesterday at Windsor Castle at the age of 99, while speaking speaking at a virtual event on March 31. 

She was announcing her patronage with non-profit organisation 20:40 which aims to help young people collaborate on socio-economic issues. 

When asked to share advice with young future leaders during the webinar, Beatrice told them not to become obsessed with the ‘solution’ while trying to solve problems because their journey will always have ‘twists and turns’.

She went on to urge them not to become ‘disheartened’ by obstacles and to remain ‘focused’ on what they are trying to achieve, a lesson she said was inspired by her grandfather Prince Philip.

Princess Beatrice (pictured) shared a lesson she learned from her grandfather Prince Philip at her last public appearance before his death – explaining how he encouraged her not to become ‘obsessed with solutions’ and to focus on the journey to get there instead 

The Queen's granddaughter (pictured with Her Majesty and Prince Philip at Princess Eugenie's wedding in 2018) divulged the words of wisdom inspired by the late Duke of Edinburgh, who died yesterday at Windsor Castle at the age of 99, while speaking speaking at a virtual event for 20:40 on March 31

The Queen’s granddaughter (pictured with Her Majesty and Prince Philip at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in 2018) divulged the words of wisdom inspired by the late Duke of Edinburgh, who died yesterday at Windsor Castle at the age of 99, while speaking speaking at a virtual event for 20:40 on March 31

Speaking from her home, Beatrice, who donned a white and blue striped shirt, said: ‘One of the things that I’ve always been inspired by is keeping your curiosity and don’t be afraid to un-think and un-learn.

‘But also don’t feel like you have to have all the answers yourself, one of the things that has always helped me, and this actually is inspired by my grandfather, whose turning 100 this year, but you kind of become obsessed with solving the problem, don’t become obsessed with the solution. 

‘Because your route to actually finding a way to get through that problem will be different and the path will be different, and it might twist and turn. 

‘So don’t be disheartened if your first path is not the one you think you have to stick to. Keep focusing on what you’re trying to achieve and you’ll get there.’

Beatrice, who is also vice president of VP Partnerships and Strategy for AI firm Afiniti, also told young people to remain ‘curious’ and find ways to work together so that they don’t feel ‘alone’ in their ventures.

The Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed a special bond with his grandchildren and made one of his last public appearances at Beatrice and Edoardo's lockdown wedding in July 2020, pictured

The Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed a special bond with his grandchildren and made one of his last public appearances at Beatrice and Edoardo’s lockdown wedding in July 2020, pictured

She continued: ‘My second piece of advice is be curious but find the best ways to collaborate and learn the best things that you can along the way, you’re not alone.’

During the virtual event, Beatrice also announced that she has become the newest patron for 20:40, a not-for-profit leadership organisation for the next generation.

She shared her excitement at being able to work with the ‘incredible’ organisation, particularly during a time which she said was focused on ‘reflection’ and ‘action’ for young leaders.

Beatrice, who also attended the launch of 20:40 in November last year, explained what the new patronage means to her, saying she wants to become a ‘leader’ who is ‘worthy’ to stand up for the non-profit organisation. 

Speaking further about her patronage, she also said that she was ‘really honoured’ to be a part of 20:40 and gave her heartfelt ‘congratulations’ to the second cohort of next-generation leaders that had joined 20:40 as its newest members.

The Duke of Edinburgh, right, with members of the royal family including Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice (behind) and the Cambridges and the Sussexes (front row)

The Duke of Edinburgh, right, with members of the royal family including Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice (behind) and the Cambridges and the Sussexes (front row)

Beatrice continued: ‘When we were thinking about the role of patron, it was sort of going back to the days of old, when you were fortunate enough to foster ideas and collaborate and really understand what it is to help somebody thrive in life. 

‘I think that’s the real essence of what the patronage really means in this moment. I’m really honoured and excited to be with everyone, I’d also love to congratulate the new cohort that we’re welcoming this evening. 

‘This has been a fantastic journey so far for me and 20:40, and I’m so happy that you’re here with us.’ 

The royal also admitted that there is a lot of ‘pressure’ put on future leaders to solve the world’s problems alone and urged other young people to look out for groups that can help them become part of something ‘bigger’ with extra ‘support’.

She added: ‘So much of the time I think is putting pressure on all of us, especially as young future leaders, that it can be quite a lonely place – it’s all down to me, I’ve got to do so much.

The Queen and Prince Philip, accompanied by Princesses Eugenie (second right) and Beatrice (far right) arrive for a church service near Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on August 30, 1998

The Queen and Prince Philip, accompanied by Princesses Eugenie (second right) and Beatrice (far right) arrive for a church service near Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on August 30, 1998

‘But I actually think thank goodness there are organisations and groups like 20:40 which mean that you can feel like you are part of something bigger and striving towards something bigger. 

‘Because I think with that support and that network with us, we can really achieve so much.’ 

Beatrice appeared at the event alongside the likes of TV presenter AJ Odudu, who is best-known for co-presenting Channel 5’s Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, and founder of Enrich Learning Onyinye Udokporo. 

The Queen’s granddaughter is expected to be one of the 30 individuals invited to Prince Philip’s funeral at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Originally there were going to be 800 mourners from across the Duke of Edinburgh’s military units, charities and associates from across the Commonwealth but the amount has had to be cut due to the coronavirus restrictions in place across England.

The final list, which is expected in the next few days, will likely be made up of senior members of the Royal Family as well as the Prime Minister.  

Princess Beatrice could be joined by Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who she married last year, at the ceremony, expected next Saturday.

Her younger sister Princess Eugenie may well also be invited, along with her husband of three years Jack Brooksbank.