The British royal family is widely known for its unwavering commitment to tradition and protocol.
However, even the most established institutions can show flexibility in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
This was evident when Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Ma Bellimati decided to break a significant royal tradition before their wedding, with Meghan Markle playing a pivotal role in setting the precedent.
Traditions hold immense significance for the royal family, with certain events and ceremonies reserved exclusively for the inner circle of the firm.
One such cherished tradition is the annual Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, where the royals come together to mark the holiday season.
Normally, only spouses and close family members receive invitations to this private celebration, with partners typically having to wait until after marriage to be included.
In an unexpected turn of events, Edoardo Ma Bellimoti, Beatrice’s fiancé, was granted the rare honor of joining the royal family for the 2020 Christmas festivities, despite not yet being married to Beatrice.
This unprecedented inclusion of a non-member echoed a similar occurrence from three years prior when Prince Harry invited Meghan Markle, his then-fiancée, to join the royal family for Christmas in 2017.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted that it was uncommon for non-spouses and extended family members to be invited to such events.
However, he noted that Meghan’s situation was unique as she was living with Harry at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace, while her family was in the United States.
It appears that Beatrice and Edoardo took inspiration from Harry and Meghan’s actions, with Beatrice following suit and extending a similar invitation to her future husband.
This departure from tradition not only allowed Edoardo to participate in official royal events and secure prime seating at royal celebrations before their official marriage but also signaled a shift in the royal family’s approach to longstanding customs.
Their unconventional wedding ceremony on July 17, 2020, at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge Windsor further solidified their willingness to challenge the status quo.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip graced the intimate ceremony, which served as a heartfelt tribute to Beatrice’s grandmother.
The bride adorned a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell, borrowed from the Queen’s personal collection, infusing the occasion with a sense of history and tradition.
However, the most notable departure from royal norms was Beatrice’s embracing of her role as a stepmother to Edoardo’s seven-year-old son Christopher Wolfe even before their marriage.
The couple’s journey continued with the arrival of their daughter Sienna Elizabeth in September 2021, marking a joyous addition to the ever-expanding royal family.
Beatrice’s decision to integrate Edoardo into the family’s sacred traditions and assume the responsibilities of a stepmother highlights a shift in the royal family’s stance on tradition and protocol.
While the monarchy remains steadfast in upholding precedent, it has also demonstrated its capacity to evolve and establish new traditions.
Beatrice and Edoardo’s narrative serves as a testament to the power of love and the significance of embracing individual circumstances that shape one’s journey.
As the royal family navigates the evolving landscape of modern society, observers eagerly anticipate how other members of the firm will follow the lead of Meghan Markle and Princess Beatrice, forging their paths and redefining the boundaries of royal tradition.
The British public watches with anticipation to witness the next chapter of the royal saga unfold.
