Before the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Beatrice shared an important lesson at her last public engagement before his death. Beatrice explained how Philip encouraged her not to become ‘obsessed with solutions’ but to focus on the journey getting there instead as there will always have ‘twists and turns’.
Princess Beatrice recently spoke at a webinar talking about the advice her grandfather had given her. (IMAGE: 20:40/Youtube).
During the webinar, Beatrice urged young future leaders 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.
Often speaking to empower individuals, Beatrice 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.”
Beatrice then proceeded to speak about the advice in which was shared to her by The Duke of Edinburgh: “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.’
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.’
Beatrice announced her new patronage with 20:40 – a not for profit organisation which aims to help young individuals collaborate on socio-economic issues. She shared her excitement to be working with such an ‘incredible’ organisation and was focused on the ‘reflection and action’ for leaders.
Speaking further about her patronage, Beatrice highlighted how she was ‘really honoured’ and ‘excited’ 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 new patron 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.
The Prince also admitted future leaders are exposed to a lot of pressure to help in solving the world’s problems and urged them to look out for support that can help them become part of something ‘bigger’ with added extra ‘support’.
“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.
“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.”
The Queen and Prince Philip with Princess Beatrice and Edo on their wedding day
Prince Philip attended his granddaughter’s wedding to Edo Mapelli Mozzi last July. It was the last family event the Prince Consort attended before his passing.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on Friday at Windsor Castle aged 99. He had a month long stint in hospital after being treated for an infection and was transferred to St Barts Hospital for testing and a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition.
Tributes to the Prince have been displayed globally, including members of the Royal Family such as The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and The Earl and Countess of Wessex.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will take place next Saturday 17th April at 3pm in St George’s Chapel. The funeral will be attended by 30 members of the Royal Family, including The Duke of Sussex.
You can watch the full webinar below:
