Inside Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's lowkey wedding - and 'reason' it wasn't televised
Beatrice and Edoardo's wedding took place during the COVID-19 pandemicPrincess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi tied the knot in a stunning wedding five years ago this week.
The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson married property developer Edoardo, 41, on July 17, 2020.
On Thursday, the loved-up couple, who have two daughters, will mark their fifth anniversary. So, in honour of the occasion, let’s take a look back at their special day and how it differed from other royal weddings.
Where did Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi get married?
The wedding of Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Princess Beatrice, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi took place at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in the grounds of Royal Lodge in Windsor on July 17, 2020.
The nuptials were originally scheduled for May 29 at The Chapel Royal of St James’s Palace. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the date.
Beatrice, 36, and Edoardo began dating in 2018, but have known each other since childhood. They announced their engagement in September 2019.
Despite being a member of the royal family, Beatrice didn’t require her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II’s permission to marry.
Edoardo popped the question during a romantic weekend away in Italy. Beatrice’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of York, said they felt “thrilled” over the news.
Edoardo’s parents also expressed their delight.
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Why Princess Beatrice’s wedding was delayed
Due to the pandemic, Beatrice and Edoardo had to revise their wedding plans.
In accordance with the government’s advice at the time, they considered holding a smaller ceremony for the sake of older family members, who may have been at risk. There were also concerns that Edoardo’s extended family may not have been able to travel from Italy for the ceremony.
After much consideration over plans, Beatrice and Edoardo married in a private wedding on July 17, 2020.
The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attended among the 20 family members and close friends.
The ceremony, of course, followed COVID-19 guidelines issued by the government.
Reason Beatrice and Edoardo’s wedding wasn’t televised
Unlike her younger sister Princess Eugenie’s 2018 wedding and other royal ceremonies, Beatrice’s nuptials were not televised in special live coverage.
However, news coverage of the wedding still aired.
Reports at the time claimed that the reason behind Beatrice’s wedding not being televised was due to ongoing controversy surrounding her father Andrew’s association with late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. However, there was no confirmation that this was the reason.
In late 2019, months before the wedding, Andrew sat down with BBC Newsnight where he addressed his friendship with Epstein. But it sparked even more backlash, and shortly after that aired, Andrew stepped back from royal duties.
Beatrice’s wedding photos and dress
Despite the wedding not airing live on TV, the palace released four official wedding photographs of the newlyweds.
One precious photo showed Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II looking and smiling at Beatrice and Edoardo outside the chapel, keeping the two-metre distance COVID-19 rule.
Another showed a beaming Beatrice and Edoardo leaving the chapel, decorated with pink and white flowers.
Princess Beatrice appeared calm, composed, and entirely comfortable in her own skin on her wedding day.
Beatrice looked beautiful in a “Peau De Soie taffeta” vintage ivory dress by Norman Hartnell. It belonged to the Queen and was “trimmed with duchess satin and encrusted with diamante”.
Angela Kelly and Stewart Parvin modified the gown to fit Beatrice for her wedding.
Meanwhile, Beatrice’s bouquet consisted of “trailing jasmine, pale pink and cream sweet peas, royal porcelain ivory spray roses, pink O’Hara garden roses, pink wax flower, baby pink astilbe, and sprigs of myrtle”.
Best man and matron of honour
Edoardo’s son from a previous relationship, Wolfie, served as the best man and page boy.
Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie acted as matron of honour for her older sister.
The Duke of York walked his eldest daughter down the aisle.
Following the lowkey ceremony, an intimate reception took place at Royal Lodge – Andrew and Sarah’s residence – where 14 of the couple’s friends attended.
According to reports, a marquee filled with sofas, a jukebox, draft beer and a dartboard was set up. Guests reportedly stayed in glamping pods that night.
Read more: Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi share kiss in rare PDA moment
During the intimate reception, Andrew also reportedly gave a speech.
According to body language expert Darren Stanton, Beatrice appeared “calm, composed, and entirely comfortable” on her wedding day.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Darren said: “Princess Beatrice appeared calm, composed, and entirely comfortable in her own skin on her wedding day. Unlike the traditional grandeur of royal weddings, the scaled-back ceremony seemed to suit her and Edoardo’s quieter and more grounded personalities.
“There were no signs of disappointment. I think this is because Beatrice doesn’t appear to seek the spotlight. She was happy having her very close family supporting her, and the affection and love between her and husband Eduardo felt so authentic.”
The happy couple now have two daughters, Sienna Elizabeth, three, and Athena Elizabeth, born in January 2025.
Happy anniversary to Beatrice and Edoardo!
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