In early October 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, is expecting her second child with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The joyful news, shared via a statement on the Royal Family’s official social media, confirmed that the baby, due in early spring 2025, will be a sibling to the couple’s three-year-old daughter, Sienna, and Edoardo’s eight-year-old son, Christopher “Wolfie” Woolf, from his previous relationship with architect Dara Huang. The announcement was accompanied by rare family photos, including a candid shot of Beatrice and Edoardo embracing and another of Edoardo walking hand-in-hand with Sienna and Wolfie in the woods. However, the excitement surrounding the pregnancy took an unexpected turn when Beatrice hosted a gender reveal party, which reportedly stirred controversy due to Wolfie’s absence, fueling speculation about tensions in her relationship with her stepson.

A Royal Pregnancy Announcement with a Typographical Hiccup

The announcement of Princess Beatrice’s second pregnancy was met with widespread congratulations from royal watchers and the public alike. The statement read, “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three. His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.” However, the initial post on X contained an embarrassing typo, referring to Beatrice as “Her Royal Highess” instead of “Her Royal Highness,” prompting Buckingham Palace to swiftly delete and repost the corrected version. Fans were quick to notice, with one commenting, “Do they not read what they wrote before they post?” Despite the minor blunder, the announcement was a heartwarming moment for the Royal Family, which has faced a challenging year with health issues affecting King Charles III, the Princess of Wales, and Sarah Ferguson.

The Gender Reveal Party: A Celebration with a Twist

In mid-October 2024, Princess Beatrice, 36, hosted a private gender reveal party at a chic venue in London’s Mayfair district, attended by close friends, family, and select members of the royal circle. The event, described as elegant yet intimate, featured pastel-themed decorations, a custom cake, and activities to guess the baby’s gender. Reports suggest Beatrice may have inadvertently hinted at the baby’s gender by wearing a soft pink dress, leading some media outlets to speculate she might be expecting another girl. Her sister, Princess Eugenie, was among the attendees, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post: “Congratulations Beabea… So looking forward to more on this journey of motherhood together.”

However, the absence of Edoardo’s son, Wolfie, from the gender reveal party raised eyebrows and sparked a wave of speculation. Wolfie, who has been spotted with Beatrice at royal events, including Princess Kate’s Together At Christmas carol service in 2023, was notably missing from the celebration. Sources close to the family claim Wolfie was with his mother, Dara Huang, during the event, but this did little to quell rumors of a strained relationship between Beatrice and her stepson.

Speculation of Stepfamily Tensions

The absence of Wolfie at the gender reveal party has fueled media reports and online discussions about potential discord in Beatrice’s blended family. Love and relationship coach Nicole Moore, speaking to The List, suggested that Beatrice’s role as a stepmother could be a “tricky situation,” particularly if Edoardo prioritizes Wolfie’s needs over Beatrice’s authority as a stepparent. Moore warned that such dynamics could “put pressure on her marriage and lead to fights” if not carefully managed. She added, “If Beatrice’s relationship with her stepson were to become strained, it could drive a wedge between her and her husband.” While there is no concrete evidence of conflict, the speculation has been amplified by Edoardo’s absence from some public events alongside Beatrice, such as a King Charles Foundation event in November 2024.

Royal commentators have noted that Beatrice has previously demonstrated a close bond with Wolfie, often including him in family outings and public appearances, such as the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in 2022. However, the timing of Wolfie’s absence, coinciding with the high-profile gender reveal, has led some to question whether underlying tensions exist. Social media reactions have been mixed, with some fans defending Beatrice, stating, “Wolfie’s likely just spending time with his mother—it’s not a big deal,” while others speculated, “Is there trouble in paradise for Beatrice and her stepson?”

A Family Under Scrutiny

The controversy comes at a time when the Royal Family is navigating several challenges, including health concerns and ongoing discussions about Prince Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge. Beatrice, who has opted for a non-working royal role, has been praised for balancing her professional career with her duties as a mother and stepmother. Her friend and nutritionist, Gabriela Peacock, recently shared with MailOnline that Beatrice is thriving in her pregnancy, enjoying time in the Cotswolds and sharing parenting advice as they both navigate motherhood.

Despite the speculation, those close to Beatrice and Edoardo insist the couple remains united and excited about their growing family. Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice’s mother, expressed her joy on social media, writing, “A very proud GiGi/Mum today. Such an incredible blessing… Wolfie, August, Ernie, and Sienna will be over the moon to have the fifth member of the five aside!” The new baby will be 11th in line to the throne, pushing Princess Eugenie to 12th, and will not carry an HRH title, in line with Beatrice’s other children.

Looking Ahead

As Princess Beatrice prepares to welcome her second child, the focus remains on her ability to navigate the complexities of a blended family under the public eye. While the gender reveal party was intended as a joyous celebration, Wolfie’s absence has inadvertently cast a shadow, prompting discussions about stepfamily dynamics. Whether the rumors of tension are substantiated or merely speculative, Beatrice’s journey as a mother and stepmother continues to captivate royal watchers. As the due date approaches, all eyes will be on the Princess of York and her family, hoping for a harmonious and happy resolution to the current wave of controversy.