Royal Visit to Prematurity Research Centre
Princess Beatrice appeared in high spirits during her visit to London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Monday, showing no visible signs of the strain from her father's dramatic ejection from royal life. The royal made her first public charity appearance in the UK since Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was stripped of his titles earlier this month.
Beatrice toured the Borne research laboratories, a charity close to her heart as it was at this same hospital where she gave birth to her youngest child, Athena, several weeks prematurely in January. Her daughter weighed just 4lb 5oz at birth, making the charity's mission to prevent premature births particularly personal for the princess.
Overseas Engagements Raise Questions
The spotlight has intensified on Beatrice following revelations that she hosted an afternoon tea event in Saudi Arabia last week. The engagement at the Riyadh Ritz-Carlton appeared to mirror the type of diplomatic work her disgraced father previously conducted as UK trade envoy.
While Beatrice focused on her charity work in London, questions lingered about her overseas activities. The event in Saudi Arabia was billed as 'afternoon tea with Princess Beatrice of York' and featured discussions about 'investing in women, wellness, and the next generation of leaders'.
This wasn't Beatrice's first foray into international diplomacy. Last November, she spoke about artificial intelligence at the Adipec energy conference in Abu Dhabi and attended private meetings with powerful figures including Abu Dhabi crown prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, an old school friend of her father.
Charity Work Continues Amid Family Turmoil
During her hospital visit, Beatrice was joined by Good Morning Britain weather presenter Laura Tobin, who also experienced premature birth when her daughter Charlotte arrived weighing just 2lb 8oz in 2017. The princess serves as patron of Borne and appeared genuinely engaged with the research being conducted.
In a statement following her visit, Beatrice said: 'Today's visit was not only insightful but has given me so much hope for pregnant mothers in the UK that this topic is being taken incredibly seriously. I am so grateful for the scientists and clinicians who took the time today to show me the advances they are making to reduce the risks to expectant mums and babies.'
The princess is scheduled to join Borne's founder, Professor Mark Johnson, at an event at Battersea Power Station next week to mark World Prematurity Day.
New Appointments and Business Ventures
Despite the fallout from her father's situation, Beatrice has continued to expand her charitable and business interests. Last week, she was appointed deputy patron of the Outward Bound Trust, an organisation her father had supported for decades before surrendering his patronage in 2019.
Martin Davidson, chief executive of the charity, described Beatrice's appointment as the start of a 'new chapter' for the organisation.
Beatrice's business ventures have also shown significant growth. Her company BY-EQ reported profits climbing from £39,000 to nearly £500,000 between 2023 and 2024. She also serves as strategic advisor at US tech giant Afiniti and was recently appointed director of Purpose Economy Intelligence, Ltd.
The princess and her husband, Italian Count Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have maintained active professional lives despite the royal family turmoil. Edoardo's property company, Banda, reported profits of £246,849 in 2024 and employs 48 people.
Beatrice's continued public engagements and business success demonstrate her determination to maintain an active profile despite the challenges facing her immediate family within the royal establishment.
