Princess Beatrice’s Wedding Dress
Norman Hartnell (1901-1979) was given the Royal Warrant as Dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, however he had been working with the royal family since 1940. He created some of the young Queen’s most famous dresses and was renowned for his elaborate embroidery and beadwork.
Princess Beatrice’s Wedding Dress
Princess Beatrice, the Queen’s second granddaughter, married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a private ceremony on 17 July 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Royal Lodge, Windsor. The couple had been due to get married on 29 May 2020 at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, however the wedding had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ceremony was only attended by close family as the couple had to follow the strict guidelines issued by the government which limited the numbers allowed to attend. The bride also surprised everyone by wearing a vintage Norman Hartnell dress belonging to the Queen.
Princess Beatrice’s Wedding Dress on Display
Remodelled by the Queen’s dresser, Angela Kelly, and British designer Stewart Parvin. organza sleeves were added with diamanté details to match the geometric checkered bodice and a duchess satin trim was added to the bottom to accommodate Beatrice’s greater height.
The motifs were embellished with faceted glass, gold beads, brilliants, mother-of-pearl and gold petal. The bees were a nod to the emblem of Napoleon, while the dress also featured a large bow on the back.
The princess also wore the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara which had been worn by the Queen at her own wedding.
The Queen’s Dress
The dress, made from ivory Peau de Soie taffeta, was worn by the Queen on numerous occasions, including a state dinner in Rome, the premiere of Lawrence of Arabia, and the 1966 State Opening of Parliament.
