Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Fergie, formerly known as the Duke and Duchess of York, attended the christening of Princess Beatrice’s daughter, Athena, today.
Princess Beatrice Held the Christening at St. James’ Place
Beatrice was at the Chapel Royal, at St. James Palace, alongside her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Also in attendance was Beatrice’s sister, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.
Little Athena was born several weeks prematurely in January this year. Interestingly, no senior royals were in the chapel for the occasion.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were nowhere to be seen, and King Charles and Queen Camilla were also absent.
We can’t say that we blame them, considering all the headaches the York family has caused amid Andrew and Sarah’s string of scandals, most of which involve their relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Today marked the first time that Andrew and Sarah have shown their faces following their very public exile from the royal family.
Beatrice has remained close to her mother, Sarah Feguson, during the whole Epstein scandal. However, her relationship with her father, Andrew, is much more complicated.
The Princess didn’t want to deprive her father of being present for his grandchild on this very important day, despite all the pain he caused the royal family.
Beatrice was Kind Enough to Include Her Disgraced Father, Andrew, In the Blessed Event
Beatrice is also worried about her father’s mental health. He’s very distraught over the situation, and after losing his title and royal honors, it’s been hard for him to handle massive public scrutiny.
Athena would have been christened months ago, but it was said that Beatrice’s parents had been embroiled in the Epstein situation.
That said, Andrew did not appear in any of the official photographs of the christening. He also won’t be going to St. Mary Magdele’s church for the traditional royal family Christmas celebration.
However, both Beatrice and Eugenie have been invited and are expected to attend. King Charles has made it clear that he doesn’t intend to punish the Princesses for the sins of their parents.
A source close to the royal family said,
“Beatrice is determined to keep the focus entirely on her daughter, but there is no escaping the moment’s significance as this will be the former Duke and Duchess of York’s first appearance at a Royal Family event and possibly the last time he steps foot in St. James’ Chapel.”
Beatrice Went with Family and Friends to the Pub After Athena’s Baptism
Princess Beatrice and her husband went to the pub with family and friends after Athena’s baptism. Truthfully, no one wanted to see Andrew at today’s event.
Andrew has brought such shame on the royal family, and he’s humiliated his daughters. However, Beatrice felt that it would be cruel not to invite her father.
Speaking about giving premature birth to Athena, Beatrice said,
“I think so often, especially as mums, we spend our lives feeling that we have to be perfect.”
She continued, “When you are faced with that moment of learning your baby’s going to come a bit early, it can be incredibly lonely.”
Beatrice added,
“And even now, talking to some of the mums who know about my work with Borne, they feel this sense of life-changing relief that can come with knowing there is an organization that is supporting the research and asking some of these important questions.”
Borne is a medical research charity with the mission to end premature birth and improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Princess Beatrice became a patron of the organization in March 2025 after the birth of her daughter, Athena.
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