No one is holding their breath to see if the former Prince Andrew will use common sense and dignity to do the right thing for his family, now that a very important and private matter has been scheduled.
Instead of showing some capacity for self-sacrifice or good judgment for his daughters and grandchildren, Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have decided to use the upcoming significant royal and religious event to their advantage — they will attend the christening of their granddaughter, Athena.
Reports confirm that the controversial and flamboyant pair, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, will return to the royal spotlight at the christening of their granddaughter, Athena.
Princess Beatrice, 37, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 42, will host the royal and religious ceremony for their baby girl at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
It is believed that many members of the Royal Family will be present, including Princess Beatrice’s sister, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and probably Kate Middleton, who is very close to the York sisters. King Charles III and Prince William will not be seen with the York family.
Family Dreads Andrew’s Presence
The christening is supposed to be a private family event, filled with love and joy. However, having former Prince Andrew, the grandfather, who is knee-deep in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, is causing considerable anxiety within the royal circle.
Indeed, many are uncomfortable with the man who befriended a pedophile and has been accused of sleeping with a 17-year-old who was being sex trafficked at a family-friendly gathering.
A source, who spoke to the Daily Mail, stated: “It’s going to be a royal occasion, but everyone is dreading the thought of seeing Andrew there.”
According to the Daily Mail, after the countless embarrassing revelations and scandals, relations between Beatrice and her father have become strained. However, Beatrice felt it would be “cruel” not to invite Andrew.
The source added that Beatrice’s decision was rooted in concern for her father: “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 recognizes that he dotes on his grandchildren and it would be cruel to deprive him of the chance to attend the christening.”
No Forgiveness, Just A Pass: Andrew’s Highly Scrutinized Return Marks A Temporary End To His Royal Exile
The event, which marks a huge return to a royal venue for both Andrew and Ferguson, required some negotiating and careful planning with King Charles. The source confirmed: “Some careful conversations and diplomacy with King Charles will have taken place to get to this stage.”
Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s scandals and ousting from the monarchy delayed the christening of Athena Mapelli Mozzi, born in January 2025. Her older sister, Sienna, was baptized in 2022 within six months of her birth.
Some relatives have pointed out that Andrew’s presence will spark a media circus and taint his granddaughter’s special day. In the royal circle, there is a high degree of skepticism regarding the former Prince Andrew’s capacity for self-sacrifice or for good judgment in doing anything.
Andrew’s Ongoing Crisis
The dramatic culmination of the Prince Andrew/Jeffrey Epstein scandal came at the end of last month, when King Charles formally stripped him of his final royal titles and ordered his eviction from Royal Lodge. Andrew has since been negotiating and making “astonishing demands” and has a strained relationship with his family.
