Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi had to postpone their May wedding — but not for long. The couple wed on Friday, July 17, in front of about 20 close friends and family.
After The Sun broke the news, Buckingham Palace confirmed the story with a statement that read, “The private wedding ceremony of Princess Beatrice and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi took place at 11 a.m. on Friday 17th July at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor. The small ceremony was attended by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and close family. The wedding took place in accordance with all relevant Government Guidelines.”
In keeping with bridal tradition, Beatrice wore “something borrowed” — a vintage dress from Queen Elizabeth’s own closet, no less. The queen wore the ivory taffeta gown, designed by Norman Hartnell, to the London premiere of “Lawrence of Arabia” in 1962.
For Beatrice’s big day, royal stylists Angela Kelly and Stewart Parvin made some adjustments, including new organza sleeves, diamanté adornments and a checkered, geometric bodice.
Beatrice, who is ninth in line to the throne, also borrowed the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, which was worn by Queen Elizabeth for her 1947 wedding ceremony to Prince Philip. It was reportedly made in 1919 from a diamond necklace from Queen Victoria.
A source told People that the tiara is “arguably the most sentimental [piece] lent from the Queen yet.”
“The Queen saved this grand tiara specifically for Beatrice,” the source revealed. “It was always reserved for her as they are exceptionally close.”
According to The Sun, the Queen and Prince Philip were driven from nearby Windsor Castle, where they had been isolating since March.
After the ceremony, a small wedding reception and sit-down meal was held inside Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York’s home at the Royal Lodge, which is next door to the chapel.
Reportedly, the Queen had to leave the party at 11:45 a.m. to attend a knighthood ceremony in Windsor Castle.
A friend of the newlyweds told The Sun that a big wedding was impossible due to the coronavirus, adding, “They are just like a normal family and had to make sacrifices like many others have up and down the country and looking forward to having a wonderful celebration when the time is right.”
Congratulations to the happily married couple!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
