Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have announced they're expecting a baby - in what marks the next exciting chapter for the happy couple.
Beatrice, who is currently ninth in line to the throne, has known 'Edo' for some time, with her own parents Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson having been close with his late stepfather, Christopher Shale, who died in 2011. However, it's believed they only started dating at some point around September 2018, and, by the following summer, it was clear things were getting serious.
Indeed, by June 2019, Edoardo accompanied Beatrice to an event held at St. James' Palace - suggesting he was very much becoming part of the Royal furniture. Then, in September 2019, Edoardo, 40, got down on bended knee during a romantic trip to Italy - and the lovestruck princess happily accepted.
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In a joint statement shared via social media, Princess Beatrice, now 36, and Edo told fans: "We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement. We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to be married. We share so many similar interests and values and we know this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness."
Showing excitement for her 'dear big sissy' at the time, supportive sibling Princess Eugenie commented: "Beabea–wow! I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo. It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be."
That year, businessman Edo was seen joining the Royals for their annual Christmas morning walk to church on the Sandringham estate - signifying his new status as a future member of The Firm. In February 2020, Buckingham Palace confirmed that "Her Majesty The Queen has kindly given permission for the ceremony to take place at The Chapel Royal, St James' Palace." However, like many other couples at the time, Beatrice and Edo's plans were hampered by the coronavirus pandemic and ended up having to scrap their May wedding, where they had intended to hold a reception in the Buckingham Palace Gardens.
And so it was that, on July 17, 2020, Beatrice and Edo said 'I do' in the more intimate setting of Windsor Chapel, with close friends and family - including the late Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh - in attendance. In a touching detail, Beatrice honoured Elizabeth by wearing a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell, which her grandmother had loaned her.
Keeping close adherence to her fascinating family history, Beatrice also wore Queen Mary's diamond fringe tiara, worn by the late Queen during her own wedding to Prince Phillip. Meanwhile, Edo donned a sharp morning suit, finished off with a vintage gold band which was made by Josh Collins. Beatrice's elegant ring was created by Shaun Leane, reports Tatler.
Caring Beatrice has also spoken of the 'great honour' of being a stepmother to Edo's son Wolfie, who had an important role as a pageboy at their wedding. Speaking with the Evening Standard ahead of World Book Day 2020, Beatrice shared: "This year, I had the great honour to become a stepmother, and have had the most remarkable time going back over some of my most favourite stories at bedtime."
On their first anniversary, Edo paid a personal tribute to his wife via Instagram, writing: "Happy wedding anniversary to the most beautiful wife in the world. I am so grateful for every moment we have shared, every challenge we have overcome, and every dream we have pursued together. I love you more than words can say, and I can’t wait to celebrate many more anniversaries with you.”
In September of that year, the couple welcomed their first child together - a little girl named Sienna. Earlier this year, a friend remarked upon the stark similarities between Sienna and Beatrice, telling Tatler: "Sienna is absolutely gorgeous and looks exactly like Bea. She's really cheeky and has a very good personality."
She added: "Bea has such a good heart and she's such a kind person, so motherhood came very naturally to her; she's a fantastic mum." Now Beatrice and Edo have revealed they're expecting another child together, due to arrive in 2025.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three. His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news."
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