The British royal family is renowned for its steadfast adherence to tradition and protocol.
However, even the most resolute institutions can adapt when faced with extraordinary circumstances. Such was the case when Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi broke a significant royal tradition before their wedding, a change significantly influenced by Meghan Markle's earlier precedent.
Traditions hold an almost sacred significance for the royal family, with certain events and celebrations reserved exclusively for the inner circle of "The Firm." One such cherished tradition is the annual Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, where the royals gather to celebrate the holiday. Typically, only spouses and close family members receive invitations to this private celebration. Partners usually must wait until after marriage to be welcomed into the fold. However, in a surprising twist, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Beatrice's fiancé, was granted the rare privilege of joining the family for the 2020 Christmas festivities, despite not yet being married to Beatrice.
This unprecedented inclusion of a non-family member was reminiscent of a similar occurrence three years earlier when Prince Harry invited his then-fiancée Meghan Markle to join the royals for Christmas in 2017. This was a notable departure from tradition, as in 2010, Kate Middleton was not invited after her engagement to Prince William, nor was Mike Tindall after his engagement to Zara Phillips, as explained by royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams in 2021. The circumstances surrounding Meghan's inclusion were unique, as Harry and Meghan were living together at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace, and Meghan's family was in the United States.
It seems that Beatrice and Edoardo followed Harry and Meghan's lead, with Beatrice extending a similar invitation to her own husband-to-be. This move not only broke with tradition but also allowed Edoardo to participate in official royal events and secure prime seating at royal celebrations even before he and Beatrice had officially exchanged vows.
Their unconventional wedding ceremony on July 17, 2020, at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge Windsor, further demonstrated their willingness to challenge the status quo. Both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the intimate affair, which was a heartfelt tribute to Beatrice's grandmother. The bride wore a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell, borrowed from the Queen's own wardrobe, adding a touch of history and tradition to the occasion.
Beatrice's embrace of her new role as a stepmother to Edoardo's seven-year-old son, Christopher Woolf, was perhaps the most significant departure from royal precedent. Typically, royal spouses are not expected to take on parental duties until after marriage, but Beatrice seamlessly incorporated this aspect of Edoardo's life into her own. The couple's journey continued with the birth of their daughter, Sienna Elizabeth, in September 2021, a joyous addition to the ever-expanding royal family.
Beatrice's decision to include Edoardo in the family's most sacred traditions and her willingness to step into the role of stepmother underscores a shift in the royal family's approach to tradition and protocol. While the monarchy remains steadfast in its adherence to precedent, it has also demonstrated its ability to adapt and create new traditions. Beatrice and Edoardo's story serves as a testament to the power of love and the importance of embracing the unique circumstances that shape each individual's path.
As the royal family continues to navigate the changing tides of modern society, it will be interesting to see how other members of The Firm follow in the footsteps of Meghan Markle and Princess Beatrice, forging their own paths and redefining the boundaries of royal tradition. One thing is certain: the British public will be watching with bated breath, eager to see how the next chapter of the royal saga unfolds.
