Sarah Ferguson – affectionately known as Fergie – and Prince Andrew tied the knot in their spectacular 1986 royal wedding. When their firstborn Princess Beatrice was born in 1988, delighted royal watchers were surprised by her unusual name – and her middle names. In reports from the time, experts call the newborn princess’ name a “departure from royal etiquette and protocol”.
The publisher of Burke’s peerage, H.B. Brooks-Baker, said : “The Duchess has been successful in generating a minor social revolution which has had a great following throughout the world.
“The interest in the Duchess of York's first child is definitely not a newspaper hype but is the result of millions of young people throughout the world identifying with her.
“The Duchess of York's quiet revolution is also visible in her and her husband's decision to use only three names instead of the usual five or six.
“This, in itself, is a departure from royal etiquette and protocol.”
The Duke and Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice (Image: Getty)
Princess Beatrice was born in 1988 at the Portland Hospital (Image: Getty)
In comparison, Prince Andrew’s full name is Andrew Albert Christian Edward.
Princess Beatrice was the name of Queen Victoria's youngest daughter, who went on to marry Spanish royalty.
When Queen Elizabeth II gave birth to Prince Andrew in
