Princess Beatrice's rebellious wedding: From stepson's secret role to Queen Elizabeth's altered dres

Publish date: 2024-06-06

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi had been planning their wedding since getting engaged in Italy in September 2019.

The date was set for 29 May 2020, two months after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, but they shocked fans by throwing a last-minute socially-distanced ceremony in Windsor on 17 July 2020. This meant not only an unconventional venue miles from their planned ceremony at St James's Palace, but also a borrowed wedding dress, recycled heels, and a tiny guest list that included a special role for Edoardo's son Wolfie.

WATCH: Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's love story - all the details

As they celebrate their anniversary with their daughter Sienna, take a peek inside their very secret wedding…

Princess Beatrice's ceremony

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo were married in a small family ceremony on Friday 17 July. The nuptials took place at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor, with the kind permission of Her Majesty The Queen.

Beatrice wore a gown loaned by the Queen

The couple decided to hold a private ceremony with their parents and siblings following the postponement of their wedding in May. Working within government guidelines, the service was in keeping with the unique circumstances while enabling them to celebrate their wedding with their closest family.

Princess Beatrice's wedding dress

Beatrice wore a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell, on loan from her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The dress is made from Peau De Soie taffeta in shades of ivory, trimmed with ivory Duchess satin, with organza sleeves. It is encrusted with diamanté and has a geometric checkered bodice. It was remodelled and fitted by Her Majesty's dresser Angela Kelly and loyal dressmaker Stewart Parvin.

DISCOVER: 14 bold second royal wedding dresses: Princess Eugenie's pink gown, Sarah Ferguson's florals and more

Princess Beatrice's wedding tiara

The bride accessorised with a tiara worn by Her Majesty on her wedding day

The bride wore the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, also on loan from Her Majesty. The tiara was worn by the former monarch on her wedding day. The tiara was originally made for Queen Mary by Garrard and Co. in 1919, from a diamond necklace given by Queen Victoria for her wedding.

Princess Beatrice's wedding bouquet

Beatrice carried a bouquet of trailing jasmine, pale pink and cream sweet peas, royal porcelain ivory spray roses, pink o’hara garden roses, pink wax flower and baby pink astilbe. In keeping with royal tradition sprigs of myrtle were included in the arrangement.

The bouquet was made by Patrice Van Helden, co-owner of RVH Floral Design. The couple thanked the gardening teams at The Savill Garden and Windsor Great Park. As is royal tradition, Beatrice's bouquet has been placed on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

Princess Beatrice's service

The ceremony was officiated by The Reverend Canon Paul Wright, Sub-Dean of the Chapel Royal and The Reverend Canon Martin Poll, Domestic Chaplain to Her Majesty. In line with government guidelines, all social distancing measures were adhered to. 

 

Princess Beatrice married Edoardo at All Saints Chapel, Windsor

The service included two of the couple's favourite poems, read by their mothers, and a biblical reading. These were; Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare; 'I carry you in my heart' by E.E. Cummings; and St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians Chapter 13, verses 1-13. Prayers were said. In accordance with government guidelines, no hymns were sung, but a selection of music was played. The National Anthem was played but not sung.

Princess Beatrice's wedding guests

The ceremony was attended by the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the couple's parents and siblings. Beatrice was walked down the aisle by her father, Prince Andrew. Edoardo's son Wolfie, whom he shares with Dara Huang, was the best man and pageboy.

Princess Beatrice's wedding ring

Beatrice’s ring was designed by Shaun Lane. Edoardo's ring is a vintage gold band designed by Josh Collins.

SEE: 18 wild royal wedding hats: Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie and more

Princess Beatrice's wedding photographs

The newlyweds released two photographs of their wedding day. The photographs were taken by Benjamin Wheeler. One image shows the couple leaving the church following the service. A second photo sees Beatrice and her new husband standing near the Queen and Prince Philip. 

New photographs of Princess Beatrice's wedding were posted by her sister

When Princess Eugenie congratulated her sister on her pregnancy news, she decided to share a previously unseen photograph from Beatrice's nuptials.

The newlyweds are seen clasping hands and beaming at the camera, standing outside of their picture-perfect wedding venue.

Princess Beatrice's handwritten notes

Following their big day, the Princess sent out heartwarming hand-written thank you cards to well-wishers. Royal fan account, the Duchess of Wonderland, shared a photo of the contents, and the message read: "Thank you so much for the wonderful note you so kindly sent to us on the occasion of our wedding this summer at Royal Lodge. Edo and I had a magical day filled with special moments with our families.

"We are so grateful to all those who have worked hard to protect our communities over the last few months, we owe them so much.

"Thank you for thinking of us as we begin our married life. Beatrice and Edo x."

MORE: Princess Anne's 5ft 6 wedding cake with first husband was as tall as her

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