Christmas morning at Sandringham brought with it a cherished royal tradition: the family walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church.
This year, the gathering was made even more special by the presence of Princess Beatrice, who radiated joy as she showcased her pregnancy glow. Accompanied by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and her adorable stepson, Christopher Woolf (affectionately known as Wolfie), the outing highlighted the unique blend of tradition and modern family dynamics within the royal household.
The princess, glowing with happiness, made the decision to spend Christmas with the royal family on medical advice, foregoing an Italian holiday. She stepped out in a beautifully belted tan coat that gently accentuated her baby bump. The coat was simple yet sophisticated, perfectly tailored to fit her in her third trimester. There was no hint of theatrics, no dramatic gestures to draw attention—just the quiet confidence of a mother-to-be enjoying the festive season with her family.
In contrast to Beatrice’s understated elegance, Meghan Markle’s much-discussed approach to maternity fashion comes to mind. During her pregnancies, Meghan often turned heads with dramatic coat-flipping gestures, seemingly designed to draw attention to her baby bump. These moments, while undeniably eye-catching, often sparked debate over whether they were necessary or appropriate for a royal setting. Meghan’s tendency to spotlight her pregnancy, even in its earliest stages, often came across as theatrical. From her penchant for unbuttoned coats that highlighted her growing bump to the timing of her announcements, every move seemed calibrated for maximum media impact.
By contrast, Beatrice’s quiet grace serves as a reminder that less can sometimes be more. She allowed her pregnancy to speak for itself, free from spectacle, and her choice of a well-fitted maternity coat underscored this philosophy. This difference extends beyond fashion. Meghan has often spoken about her challenges with media scrutiny, yet her actions—be it orchestrating headline-grabbing moments or leaning into Hollywood-style publicity—frequently contradicted her calls for privacy. Royals, by nature, attract attention simply by existing; they don’t need to chase it. This fundamental distinction between celebrity and royal life appears to have eluded Meghan at times.
Beatrice and Edoardo’s family dynamic is a breath of fresh air. They blend their little family with love and mutual respect, offering a glimpse into a modern royal household grounded in genuine affection. Beatrice’s role as a stepmother to Wolfie is carried out with grace, and her preparations for baby number two reflect the quiet joy of a family focused on togetherness rather than spectacle.
In stark contrast, Meghan’s approach often feels calculated, with an emphasis on controlling the narrative and remaining in the spotlight. The constant push-pull between claiming a desire for privacy and orchestrating media moments often leaves the impression of a reality TV audition rather than the decorum expected of a royal.
As Princess Beatrice approaches her due date early in the new year, she continues to embody the values of the royal family—grace, discretion, and genuine love for family. There’s no need for flashy stunts or excessive attention-seeking; a well-fitted coat, a warm smile, and a genuine connection with loved ones can say it all. The takeaway? Being royal doesn’t require theatrics. Sometimes, quiet elegance speaks louder than any dramatic gesture. Beatrice has mastered this art. Meghan, the ball is in your court—perhaps consider letting your actions do the talking without the extra flair.
