Princess Eugenie has arrived at Clarence House ahead of the christening ceremony for her niece Athena.
The baptism is taking place today at the Chapel Royal within St James’s Palace, where Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are gathering close relatives and friends to celebrate their second daughter.
Beatrice, 37, and property developer Mapelli Mozzi, 42, welcomed Athena earlier this year after she was born several weeks before her due date in January.
The venue holds particular significance for royal christenings, having previously hosted the baptisms of Princes George and Louis.
Princess Eugenie has arrived at Clarence House ahead of the christening ceremony for her niece Athena.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson will be present at the ceremony, representing a significant moment as their first attendance at any royal function since they lost their York titles.
The former Duke and Duchess of York lost their titles in October following fresh disclosures regarding their connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
The christening had reportedly been delayed from earlier this year due to the scandal surrounding Athena’s grandparents.
Beatrice is understood to have maintained a close bond with her mother Sarah throughout the Epstein turbulence, though her relationship with her father has become considerably more difficult.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson will be present at the ceremony, representing a significant moment as their first attendance at any royal function since they lost their York titles.
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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.
“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.”
The source added: “Some careful conversations and diplomacy with King Charles will have taken place to get to this stage.”
Her elder daughter Sienna, now four, received her baptism in 2022 within six months of being born.
Beatrice is understood to have maintained a close bond with her mother Sarah throughout the Epstein turbulence, though her relationship with her father has become considerably more difficult.
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King Charles received an invitation but is not anticipated to be present despite having no official engagements scheduled for the day.
Princess Anne will be occupied at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sovereign’s Parade in Camberley, Berkshire, while the Wales family are also not expected to attend.
Andrew will steer clear of photographers and will be absent from any official images taken at the event.
A source said: “Beatrice is determined to keep the focus entirely on her daughter.”