Princess Beatrice has announced that she is “excited” about her latest role as the royal follows in her grandfather, the late Prince Philip‘s, footsteps. Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew‘s elder daughter was named patron of the Chartered College of Teaching.
The organisation is the professional body for teachers and aims to “empower a knowledgeable and respected teaching profession”. Announcing the news on Friday, the group said on social media: “We’re delighted to announce HRH Princess Beatrice as our new Patron!
“Princess Beatrice has shown strong support for education through her work with Big Change and other organisations. Her patronage will help elevate the profession and support our mission to champion teachers.”
Beatrice praised teachers and their role in “shaping lives and transforming futures” and added that she is “really excited” to take up the role previously held by her grandfather.
She said: “To me, the power that teachers have on shaping lives and transforming futures makes it one of the most commendable and highly regarded professions.
“I’m a passionate believer in the vital role that teachers play every day and know firsthand the impact that great teaching can leave on a child and their family. It’s a real honour to take up the role as Patron of the Chartered College of Teaching, a role previously held by my grandfather.
“I’m really excited to support the College’s mission to champion excellence in teaching and to celebrate the impact of this incredible profession.”
The organisation added in a press release following the announcement: “Together with HRH Princess Beatrice, we look forward to championing the teaching profession with renewed purpose and visibility.”
Prince Philip remained patron of the Chartered College of Teaching until his death in April 2021 despite retiring from public duties in 2017.
In a rare message ahead of the Christmas holidays in 2020, the late Duke of Edinburgh praised teachers for their “selfless dedication” in the “most challenging conditions”.
His message read: “I commend all teachers and school staff for your professional and resolute commitment throughout the past year to teaching our children and young people in the most challenging conditions.
“As patron of the Chartered College of Teaching, I wish to thank you all for your selfless dedication and send you my best wishes for a well-deserved break over Christmas and the New Year.”