When Princess Beatrice’s now-husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, attended the royal family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham in 2019, it was a surprising break from long-standing royal tradition.
Historically, this exclusive event was reserved for official members of the royal family, including spouses. For years, fiancés and partners were expected to wait until marriage to participate.
Edoardo’s attendance, however, marked a shift in protocol that can, in part, be attributed to Meghan Markle’s precedent-setting invitation to Sandringham in 2017 before her marriage to Prince Harry.
Meghan’s inclusion in such an iconic family event sent a clear message that royal traditions could evolve to accommodate changing times and modern relationships.
In December 2017, Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry and the royal family for their traditional Christmas festivities at Sandringham, just a month after the couple’s engagement announcement.
This was a groundbreaking move for the monarchy, as fiancés had previously been excluded from this highly private and exclusive gathering.
Before Meghan, notable royal spouses like Kate Middleton and Mike Tindall were only invited to Sandringham after they married into the family.
Kate, now the Princess of Wales, had been in a relationship with Prince William for nearly a decade before their wedding in 2011, yet she was not invited to attend the Norfolk festivities until she officially became a royal.
Meghan’s inclusion was seen as a reflection of the Queen’s recognition of the seriousness of her relationship with Prince Harry and her desire to modernize royal customs to reflect contemporary family dynamics.
Two years later, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi followed in Meghan’s footsteps when he joined Princess Beatrice and her family for Christmas at Sandringham.
Although Edoardo and Beatrice were engaged at the time, his presence was still noteworthy given the family’s prior adherence to tradition.
Edoardo’s inclusion likely reflected the royal family’s growing flexibility under King Charles III’s leadership. Additionally, it underscored the seriousness of his commitment to Princess Beatrice.
Just months later, on July 17, 2020, the couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor, a scaled-down affair due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Though Princess Beatrice and Edoardo are not working royals, they have become regular fixtures at key royal events.
Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, balances her royal lineage with her private career.
Edoardo, a successful property developer and father to a son from a previous relationship, seamlessly integrated into royal life, often appearing alongside Beatrice at prominent engagements.
The couple’s decision to attend Christmas at Sandringham in 2019 was a symbolic step that highlighted their commitment to the family while reflecting the monarchy’s gradual shift toward inclusivity and modernization.
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Now, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo are preparing to welcome their second child, further cementing their role as a beloved royal couple.
Their first child, a daughter named Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, was born in September 2021 and holds the distinction of being 10th in line to the British throne.
The new baby, expected to arrive in early 2024, will take the 11th spot in the line of succession but will not hold an HRH title, as Beatrice is not a working royal.
Despite not having an official royal title, Beatrice and Edoardo’s children enjoy a unique blend of royal heritage and a relatively private upbringing.
Sienna, for instance, has rarely been seen in public, reflecting the couple’s desire to shield their children from excessive media scrutiny.
The inclusion of Meghan Markle and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Sandringham’s Christmas celebrations exemplifies the royal family’s willingness to adapt to modern realities.
These changes not only reflect shifting societal norms but also highlight the monarchy’s efforts to remain relevant in an era where tradition must coexist with progress.
Meghan’s groundbreaking attendance paved the way for future exceptions to be made, as seen with Edoardo.
This shift signifies the royal family’s recognition that their roles and customs must evolve to better represent the diverse and dynamic relationships of its members.
Meghan Markle’s bold move in 2017 helped open the door for future non-royals like Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi to participate in cherished royal traditions.
By breaking with convention, the royal family signaled its readiness to adapt to the times while maintaining its unique identity.
As Princess Beatrice and Edoardo prepare to expand their family, their evolving role within the monarchy showcases the balance between tradition and modernity—a delicate equilibrium that ensures the institution’s continued relevance in the 21st century.
