Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi made waves in the royal family by breaking a significant tradition prior to their wedding, with Meghan Markle playing a pivotal role in the unconventional move.
Traditions hold a special place within the royal family, with certain events being strictly reserved for exclusive attendees.
However, circumstances surrounding Meghan Markle paved the way for Edoardo to bend the rules and create a new precedent.
In July 2020, the couple opted for a small, intimate ceremony, which subsequently allowed Edoardo to partake in official royal events and secure prime seats at royal celebrations.
Even before tying the knot, Edoardo had the unique opportunity to partake in one of the family’s beloved traditions by attending Christmas morning at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, despite conventional norms suggesting otherwise.
Typically, invitations to the family’s private Sandringham celebrations are exclusively reserved for members of the firm, with partners usually having to wait until after marriage to participate.
Nevertheless, Edoardo was granted the rare privilege of joining the Christmas festivities, despite not being an official member of the royal family.
This inclusive gesture towards non-members echoes a similar instance in 2017 when Prince Harry extended an invitation to Meghan Markle before their marriage, inspiring Beatrice to follow suit with Edoardo.
In contrast, Princess Kate and Mike Tindall had to patiently wait until after their respective marriages to Prince William and Zara Tindall before being included in the royal celebrations.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted in 2021 that in 2010, Kate was not invited post her engagement to William, nor was Mike Tindall after his engagement to Zara Phillips.
Typically, only spouses and immediate family members receive invitations to such events.
Fitzwilliams further elaborated on the situation, highlighting that while the monarchy adheres to precedent and tradition, it also has the flexibility to create new norms.
Beatrice and Edoardo exchanged vows on July 17, 2020, at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor, with both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip gracing the ceremony with their presence.
In a touching tribute to her grandmother, Princess Beatrice donned a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell, borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Additionally, Beatrice embraced her role as a stepmother to Edoardo’s seven-year-old son, Christopher Wolfe.
Related Stories
