Princess Beatrice's Appearance After Little Athena's Christening Sparks Discussion

Dressed in a polished winter coat and accompanied by her husband, the royal was seen arriving at a central London pub. But what should have been a moment of celebration quickly evolved into a topic of widespread online chatter.

Princess Beatrice of York stepped out in Marylebone on December 12, 2025, alongside her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, following the christening of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose.

The couple, known for keeping their family life largely private, were seen arriving at what appeared to be a relaxed post-christening lunch at a central London pub.

In line with the understated tone of the day, the gathering included close friends and family, including godmother Princess Nina of Greece and Denmark, who wore a glowing white ensemble for the occasion.

Princess Beatrice, meanwhile, opted for a refined winter look that caught attention immediately. She wore a deep navy double-breasted coat, featuring prominent gold buttons and structured shoulders, over a rich burgundy dress that peeked through the coat's opening.

The royal accessorised with a cream crossbody bag and carried a large Goyard tote. Burgundy slingback heels completed the outfit — or so it appeared at first glance.

What began as admiration for the princess's ensemble quickly shifted into a flurry of online speculation as several onlookers focused almost exclusively on her footwear.

One person asked, "Why does it look like she is wearing two different shoes?" while another echoed the same confusion with, "Why has she got 2 different shoes on?" A third, seemingly unconvinced by the overall outfit, commented, "Stylish??? Look at her shoes on cold weather [sic]."

The chatter over her footwear wasn't limited to direct questions. Others also weighed in more critically, with one individual sharing that the shoes did not complement the rest of the outfit.

Indeed, Athena's absence from the outing didn't go unnoticed. Several commenters openly questioned it, with one asking, "Where's the baby????"

Although the event was undeniably significant, the gathering drew attention for who was not present after the service.

One person said that while they found Princess Beatrice of York's heels attractive, they were still puzzled by why Athena was not pictured during the outing. Meanwhile, speculation around the guest list surfaced too, with one person wondering aloud, "Why they didn't invite the wales,, [sic]."

Beyond the sartorial critique and questions over royal attendance, others noted the princess's apparent demeanour. "She looks so unhappy," said one person.

Another commented that the princess appeared visibly downcast in the photographs, suggesting her expression conveyed sadness rather than contentment.

Despite the criticism, there were glimpses of admiration among the responses. One commenter offered a positive comparison, writing, "She looks like her Mother 🔥❤️❤️."

The day itself, however, marked more than just a royal fashion moment. Athena's christening was held at the Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace, a venue steeped in royal tradition and previously used for the baptisms of Prince George and Prince Louis.

Although the event was undeniably significant, the gathering drew attention for who was not present after the service. While Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson did attend the private ceremony, they did not accompany the family for the pub lunch that followed.

Their attendance was the first time the former couple had stepped inside a royal palace since being stripped of their titles, marking a rare return to the royal fold.

Yet their absence from the post-christening gathering suggested a continued retreat from public royal life. A source close to the family had noted:

"It's going to be a royal occasion but everyone is dreading the thought of seeing Andrew there."

Reports suggest Princess Beatrice remains close to her mother, with the two maintaining a strong bond even during the turbulence surrounding Andrew's involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

However, insiders have indicated her relationship with her father is more complex. One source explained that, while Princess Beatrice did extend an invitation to her father, the mood between them was not especially warm.

Still, concern for his wellbeing — particularly amid reported struggles with his mental health — motivated her to include him, recognising his deep affection for his grandchildren.

For the princess, sharing her story was a step toward breaking the silence that so often surrounds maternal health.

Diplomacy, it's understood, played a role in facilitating his attendance, with King Charles III reportedly involved in sensitive discussions behind the scenes.

The christening also followed a challenging chapter in Princess Beatrice's personal life. In January 2025, she and Edoardo announced Athena's birth, but what the public didn't know at the time was that her arrival had come with complications.

In a heartfelt essay published in British Vogue earlier this year, the princess opened up about learning that her daughter was likely to be born early — a revelation that brought with it anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. She shared:

"Nothing quite prepares you for the moment when you realise your baby is going to arrive early. There's so little control. Will she arrive healthy? Will there be complications? How will you juggle the rest of family life while trying to keep a tiny human safe and well?"

The experience not only brought perspective but renewed her drive to support research into women's health, particularly in areas related to pregnancy and preterm birth.

For the princess, sharing her story was a step toward breaking the silence that so often surrounds maternal health. "[...] Everyone has a story," she wrote, emphasising how open conversations can foster connection and understanding among women navigating similar challenges.

From wardrobe scrutiny to questions about royal dynamics, Princess Beatrice found herself, once again, at the intersection of tradition, duty, and modern motherhood.

Yet behind the headlines and speculation was a mother who had quietly navigated a difficult pregnancy, honoured family ties — however complicated — and welcomed a new daughter into the world with grace and determination.