Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi broke with a longstanding tradition just hours before their royal wedding, which took place six years ago today on July 17, 2020. The couple exchanged vows in front of a small gathering of family and close friends in Windsor, in a ceremony governed by Covid social distancing restrictions.
The late Queen and Prince Philip, Princess Eugenie, and Beatrice's parents Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson were among the guests. Edo's four-year-old son Wolfie served as best man.
Rehearsal Dinner and Breaking Tradition
Although their big day looked very different from the celebrations they had originally planned—which were to take place two months prior but were canceled due to the pandemic—the couple still managed to hold a rehearsal dinner with their nearest and dearest. However, there was one significant tradition the couple chose to abandon: they opted to spend the night together before saying their vows.
Traditionally, couples spend their final night apart before their nuptials, typically in the company of family and friends. According to the Daily Mail, Beatrice and Edo decided against this custom, choosing to spend the evening together.
Other Royals Adhered to Tradition
Almost every other royal has adhered to this custom, waiting to set eyes on their partner at the altar. Princess Kate spent the night before her royal wedding at the Goring Hotel in London—one of the Queen's favorites—alongside her mother Carole and sister Pippa. They stayed in the royal suite, which boasts stunning four-poster beds and a balcony overlooking the gardens. Meanwhile, her future husband Prince William spent the night at his father's residence Clarence House alongside best man Prince Harry, father Charles, and his stepmother Camilla.
In 2018, Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland spent her final evening before her wedding at Cliveden House Hotel, an upmarket countryside retreat roughly nine miles north of Windsor. Harry, together with his brother William, stayed at Coworth Park in Ascot.
Wedding Photos and Attire
Beatrice and Edo shared two photographs from their wedding the day after exchanging vows, reportedly delaying release so they would not overshadow Captain Tom Moore, who was knighted by the late Queen just hours after their ceremony. The two beautiful photographs show Beatrice and Edoardo departing the church after the service, along with the newly married pair posing with Beatrice's late grandparents, the Queen and Prince Philip.
Beatrice had the ultimate 'something borrowed,' donning a stunning vintage dress by Norman Hartnell loaned from The Queen. The gown was crafted from Peau De Soie taffeta in shades of ivory, finished with ivory Duchess satin, featuring organza sleeves. She also wore the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, borrowed from Her Majesty The Queen—the very same piece the monarch herself wore on her wedding day. Originally crafted for Queen Mary by Garrard and Co. in 1919, the stunning piece was fashioned from a diamond necklace gifted by Queen Victoria for her wedding.
