Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ‘attends’ granddaughter Athena’s christening after losing royal titles

The former Duke and Duchess of York reportedly arrived at the event separately

ndrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson reportedly attended the christening of their granddaughter, Athena, the second daughter of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on Friday.

The low-key service took place at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, according to reports.

While the event was kept private, it marks the first time Andrew has attended a royal event since being stripped of his HRH status and remaining titles by King Charles in October, following fresh scrutiny about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
On Friday, disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly attended his granddaughter’s christening (Credit: Cover Images)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends granddaughter’s christening

As reported by The Telegraph, the service was held on Friday, December 12, and was attended by close family and friends.

Among the guests were Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, singer James Blunt, a long-time friend of Beatrice, and European royalty, including Princess Nina of Greece and Denmark, who is one of Athena’s godparents.

Athena was born prematurely on January 22. Princess Beatrice has previously opened up about the loneliness and anxiety of a premature birth.
Beatrice and Edoardo’s youngest daughter, Athena, was christened on Friday (Credit: Cover Images)
According to The Telegraph, Andrew was seen arriving discreetly at a side entrance of the palace grounds in a black Range Rover, while Sarah Ferguson arrived separately. The former Duke of York was not included in any official photographs and avoided the press entirely.

A source told The Mail on Sunday earlier this week: “It’s going to be a royal occasion. But everyone is dreading the thought of seeing Andrew there.

“[Beatrice]’s worried about him,” the source added. “He dotes on his grandchildren, and it would be cruel to deprive him of the chance to attend the christening.”

Although once a senior working royal, Andrew’s presence at the event was intentionally low-profile.

“Beatrice is determined to keep the focus entirely on her daughter,” an insider added.
The former Duke and Duchess of York arrived at the event separately, according to reports (Credit: Cover Images)

Princess Beatrice seen at Athena’s christening

Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice was glowing in a navy double-breasted coat layered over a red dress on Friday, paired with matching slingback heels. She wore her auburn hair in loose waves.

Edoardo looked dapper in a navy suit with a crisp white shirt and pink tie.

Princess Eugenie arrived with Jack Brooksbank and wore a checkered coat with pearl earrings and a chic updo.

Following the service, guests reportedly gathered at a cosy London pub for a private celebration.

Andrew’s appearance at Athena’s christening may be one of his last at a royal event.

He is reportedly preparing to relocate to a private residence on the king’s Sandringham estate next year, after being asked to vacate Royal Lodge in Windsor, his long-time residence which he shared with his ex-wife.

Despite intense pressure, he had previously resisted the move. But with his royal titles permanently revoked, insiders say the move is now inevitable.

The eviction came amid ongoing public scrutiny over Andrew’s long-standing ties to convicted sex offender Epstein.

Andrew first withdrew from public duties in 2019 following a widely criticised BBC Newsnight interview, during which he attempted to address his relationship with Epstein.

In 2021, he was sued in the United States by Virginia Giuffre. Ms Giuffre accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17, after she was trafficked by Epstein.

Andrew has consistently and strongly denied all allegations. He settled the civil case in 2022 without admitting liability.