Princess Beatrice’s holiday plans have taken an unexpected turn this year. Originally planning to celebrate Christmas at a different destination, she has opted for a more traditional gathering in the UK.
She will be joined by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their daughter, Sienna, as they leave their idyllic Cotswolds home to spend the festive season with the royal family at Sandringham. This decision follows medical advice recommending that the 36-year-old, currently expecting her second child, avoid long-distance travel during her pregnancy. While the change in plans is a practical one, it also sparks curiosity about how her celebrated sense of style will influence her festive decorations and growing role within the royal family.
Edoardo, an esteemed architect and interior designer, recently offered a glimpse into their holiday aesthetic by sharing a photograph of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree on his company’s Instagram account, Banda Property. The image, taken at their Chelsea Barracks townhouse, featured a towering fir tree adorned with warm white fairy lights and crowned with a luxurious maroon velvet bow, with elegant ribbons cascading down its length. This refined yet understated approach to holiday décor reflects the couple’s sophisticated taste, leaving many intrigued about how they will style their private home for the season.
Beyond their festive plans, Beatrice and Edoardo’s decision to remain closer to home underscores their commitment to family and tradition. Their £3.5 million Cotswolds farmhouse, complete with six bedrooms, a private pool, and tennis courts, serves as a peaceful retreat away from London. A six-foot security fence ensures their privacy, emphasizing their desire to raise their children away from the public eye. This Christmas holds particular significance for the family, as it marks their last as a trio before they welcome their second child in the new year.
Beatrice has recently stepped into a more prominent role within the royal fold, balancing personal responsibilities with increasing royal engagements. Following her father Prince Andrew’s fall from grace due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, Beatrice has subtly assumed more international responsibilities. She has been actively representing British interests abroad, particularly in the Middle East. During a visit to Abu Dhabi in November, she attended the ADIPEC energy conference and met with key figures, including the UAE president and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These high-level discussions also included executives from major corporations such as Shell, EDF, and Microsoft, officially tied to her role as vice president at the technology firm Afiniti. However, insiders like journalist Hadley Gamble have suggested that Beatrice’s presence signaled an unofficial role as a British ambassador, describing her as someone deeply involved with global power players.
Her growing influence has drawn comparisons to the responsibilities once held by her father before his exile from public life. Beatrice appears to be quietly stepping into his former diplomatic role, forging connections with foreign officials and business leaders. In October, she was seen in Saudi Arabia attending the Future Investment Initiative conference, engaging with representatives of the country’s $925 billion sovereign wealth fund. These strategic moves hint at a deliberate effort to elevate her international profile and align with the monarchy’s broader diplomatic objectives.
Amid her professional pursuits, Beatrice remains an active presence in the UK’s social and charitable circles. Recently, she attended the annual Street Child UK Gala at the Tate Modern, while her sister, Princess Eugenie, participated in the Poppy Ball dinner in honor of Remembrance Day. These appearances coincide with ongoing discussions about inheritance matters between their father and King Charles. A major point of contention remains the fate of Prince Andrew’s longtime residence, the Royal Lodge. Andrew is reportedly determined to secure the estate as an inheritance for his daughters, despite pressure from King Charles to relocate to a more modest home. While questions persist about how he is financing the estate’s upkeep given that his only official income is a modest Royal Navy pension, Andrew maintains that his financial arrangements are legitimate, a claim supported by Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse.
Beatrice and Eugenie’s efforts to navigate these complex family dynamics highlight their dedication to preserving their father’s legacy while also carving out their own distinct roles within the royal family. As Beatrice prepares to welcome her second child and potentially take on a more visible position in international affairs, her transformation from a relatively private royal to an emerging diplomatic figure is becoming increasingly evident. Whether through her elegant holiday décor or her adept handling of high-stakes engagements, Princess Beatrice continues to intrigue and surprise with her evolving role in the royal world.
