Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, are navigating a significant family transition as the new school year approaches, involving their two young daughters and Edoardo’s elder son. The couple, who divide their time between a country retreat and a London residence, are preparing for the return to city life and educational routines for their children.
London Schooling and Family Life
While Princess Beatrice has maintained a relatively low profile during the summer months, the family’s focus is shifting towards the upcoming academic term. Their eldest child, Sienna, aged four, is enrolled in education within London, necessitating a return to the city. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, in a past interview with The Times, indicated that their St. James’s Palace apartment serves as their London base primarily due to school commitments. This residence allows for convenient school runs, with Mapelli Mozzi mentioning walking their youngest child to school from their apartment before heading to his design studio.
At the time of that interview in 2024, Sienna was their only child together. Since then, they have welcomed their second daughter, Athena. Additionally, Edoardo has a 10-year-old son, Wolfie, from a previous relationship with Dara Huang. Wolfie also attends school in London and reportedly splits his time between his parents and Beatrice. The co-parenting dynamic is described as amicable, with Princess Beatrice affectionately referring to Wolfie as her “bonus son.” Recent reports suggest that Princess Beatrice has been exploring educational options for Wolfie, with visits noted to Eton College, where he might join his royal relation, Prince George, who is slated to begin his studies there in September.
A Countryside Escape
The family’s country home, a converted farmhouse in the Cotswolds, offers a private sanctuary away from the public eye and the bustle of London. Acquired in 2021 for approximately £3.5 million, the property is understood to feature six bedrooms and several reception rooms, along with a separate guest house. Since their purchase, Beatrice and Edoardo have enhanced the estate’s amenities, adding a swimming pool and a tennis court, which are expected to be popular with the children.
The London Residence: St. James’s Palace
In addition to their privately owned country estate, the family utilizes a grace-and-favour apartment within St. James’s Palace for their London stays. Such arrangements are not uncommon for members of the royal family who are not engaged in full-time official duties. However, the allocation of this Crown Estate property has recently drawn attention and is reportedly under review.
Glimpses into Beatrice’s private living space within the palace have occasionally been shared, revealing a comfortable interior characterized by modern burnt orange walls, a prominent fireplace, and decorative elements like pampas grass. This London base provides a convenient hub for family life, particularly given the children’s educational needs in the city.
Balancing Family and Public Life
The upcoming school year marks another phase for the growing Mapelli Mozzi family. The need to balance their children’s education with their various residences and public profiles presents a dynamic challenge. Princess Beatrice, while generally private, has demonstrated a commitment to her family, including her stepson Wolfie. The family’s arrangements, utilizing both a private country home and a royal residence in London, highlight a unique approach to modern family life within the context of royal connections.
As Sienna and Wolfie embark on or continue their educational journeys, and with baby Athena settling into family routines, the Mapelli Mozzi household is set for a period of adjustment. The transition back to London for school signifies a return to a more structured routine, underscoring the importance of education and family proximity for Beatrice and Edoardo.
