Princess Beatrice’s daughter Athena was christened today at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace, though several prominent members of the Royal Family were absent from the ceremony.
King Charles did not attend despite receiving an invitation and having no official duties scheduled for the day.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were also not present at the baptism.
Princess Anne had a prior commitment at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sovereign’s Parade in Camberley, Berkshire.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson attended the ceremony, marking a notable return to royal events following the removal of their York titles in October.
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Beatrice, 37, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 42, hosted close family members and friends to mark the occasion for their second daughter, who arrived prematurely in January.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson attended the ceremony, marking a notable return to royal events following the removal of their York titles in October.
The occasion represented the couple’s first appearance at any function involving the Royal Family since that change in status.
Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s younger sister, was present alongside her husband Jack Brooksbank.
The occasion represented the couple’s first appearance at any function involving the Royal Family since that change in status.
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The Chapel Royal holds special significance for royal baptisms, having served as the venue for the christenings of Prince George and Prince Louis.
The gathering brought together intimate family connections despite the absence of more senior royals, with Beatrice understood to be focused on celebrating her daughter’s special day.
Reports indicate the christening was postponed from earlier in the year owing to controversy surrounding Athena’s grandparents.
The gathering brought together intimate family connections despite the absence of more senior royals, with Beatrice understood to be focused on celebrating her daughter’s special day.
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Beatrice is believed to have remained close to her mother Sarah amid the Epstein-related difficulties, though her bond with her father has grown significantly strained.
A source told the Mail: “Beatrice has, of course invited her father. But things are not warm between them. However, she’s worried about him.”
The source added: “He’s going through a low ebb with his mental health and she recognises that he dotes on his grandchildren and it would be cruel to deprive him of the chance to attend the christening.”
A source said: “Beatrice is determined to keep the focus entirely on her daughter.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.gbnews.com ’
