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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson are set to make a dramatic return to the royal spotlight as they attend their granddaughter’s christening on Friday. Princess Beatrice, 37, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 42, will gather close family and friends at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace for the baptism of their daughter, Athena.
A source said: “It’s going to be a royal occasion but everyone is dreading the thought of seeing Andrew there.” According to the Daily Mail, relations between Beatrice and her father are strained, but it would be “cruel” not to invite him.
The source continued: “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. It would be cruel to deprive him of the chance to attend the christening.”
They added: “Some careful conversations and diplomacy with King Charles will have taken place to get to this stage.”
It is believed Athena Mapelli Mozzi, born in January 2025, would have been christened earlier in the year had it not been for the scandal surrounding her grandparents. Her older sister Sienna was baptised in 2022, within six months of birth.
The event represents a significant reappearance for Andrew and Fergie in the royal sphere. Andrew was stripped of all royal titles in October, and a formal notice instructed him to vacate Royal Lodge in Windsor and “move to alternative private accommodation.”
His association with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein has continued to cast a shadow over the Royal Family, despite Andrew’s consistent and emphatic denials of any wrongdoing.
It is understood that the Firm made the decision — and took action — because of what they considered to be serious lapses in Andrew’s judgement.
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Beatrice’s sister, Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are also expected to attend what will be a private ceremony. Athena was born prematurely, weighing just 4 lb 5 oz when she arrived at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on 22 January.
Reflecting on the birth, Beatrice said: “Nothing quite prepares you for the moment when you realise your baby is going to arrive early… there’s so little control.”
European royals will also be present, including Princess Nina of Greece and Denmark, 38, who is one of Athena’s godmothers.
For Andrew and Sarah, the christening marks their first major public appearance since they attended the funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral in September 2025 — a time when they still held their royal titles.
