Pregnant Princess Beatrice supports Kate at carol concert with rarely-seen stepson

Pregnant Princess Beatrice looked chic in burgundy as she joined Princess Kate's annual Christmas carol service - with a visible baby bump.

The 36-year-old stepped into Westminister Abbey with husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi - best known as 'Wolfie' to loved ones. Beatrice, who is expecting a baby in early 2025, has previously sweetly referred to eight-year-old Wolfie as her 'bonus son', and is known to be an active and loving stepmother.

Property developer Edo welcomed his son in 2016 with his then partner Dara Huang, an architect and designer from the US. This marks one year since young Wolfie made his first royal appearance at Kate's last carol concert, also held at Westminister Abbey. Beatrice, who welcomed her daughter Sienna in September 2021, has previously spoken fondly of Wolfie, who she has warmly welcomed into the Royal fold.

In a sweet interview given to the Evening Standard to celebrate World Book Day 2021, Beatrice spoke how she'd loved bonding with Wolfie over a book during the difficult days of lockdown. Beatrice shared: "This year, I had the great honour to become a stepmother, and have had the most remarkable time going back over some of my most favourite stories at bedtime. Together, we had such a special time reading through all the entries for Oscars Book Prize 2020."

She continued: "My stepson has been, as many children have, home-schooling this term. Helping him to engage with stories is a great journey to inspire imagination, creativity, independence and humour."

Beatrice's mother, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has also spoken with great affection about her step-grandson, even including him in the dedications of her recently published children's book, Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods'.

Fergie, 64, told the Mail on Sunday: 'I wrote Flora and Fern for my grandchildren and also my step-grandson Wolfie. It is a special little story encouraging children to enjoy and respect nature and use their imagination to play. The names Flora and Fern are chosen to encourage more understanding of how important nature is."

Now Beatrice and Edo, who married privately at Royal Lodge in the summer of 2020, are excitedly looking ahead to expanding their family once more, and announced their pregnancy in October of this year. In a sweet statement shared at the time, the happy couple revealed: "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."

Ahead of the service tonight, Kate wrote a heartwarming letter addressed to the 1,600 Abbey carol goers, including royal family members, telling them: "Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times". A message included with the order of service, which features artwork by illustrator Charlie Mackesy, reads: “This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light.”

The service is intended to provide a moment of reflection about the importance of loved ones, especially during trying times. This year has proven to be a difficult one for Kate, who was diagnosed with cancer back in March. After undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy, Kate announced she was cancer-free in September and has resumed her role duties. Her father-in-law, King Charles III, remains under the care of cancer specialists.

Singers Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith will be performing during the service. Meanwhile, Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who has terminal prostate cancer, is lighting a candle, as is Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former Rugby League star Rob Burrow, who passed away in June following a motor neurone disease diagnosis.

Readings, in keeping with the theme of love and empathy, are being made by the Prince of Wales and a host of stars, including actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, and Sophie Okonedo, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda. Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty will also be giving a reading. The 1,600 guests have all shown support for others, whether friends or family, helping individuals through their work or through volunteering.

The festive event will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which will be screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. It will feature three films about the stories of individuals and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others during times of need.

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