Princess Beatrice surprised us all by getting married today! While details are generally scarce, we do know that Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, got married in front of 20 family members and close friends at All Saints Chapel near Windsor Castle.
One detail that immediately sparked questions from many is that Queen Elizabeth reportedly left the wedding of her granddaughter early to go knight 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore. While the Queen's devotion to country and duty is admirable, it's surprising that Beatrice's wedding didn't take precedence over the knighting.
Captain Tom Moore has been very important to Britain, as he has contributed to the country over and over again. In fact, throughout the health crisis, Captain Moore has managed to raise more than $40 million for the UK's National Health Service by walking over a hundred laps in his back garden.
Captain Moore's knighting is also the first face-to-face event the Queen has participated in since the health crisis began. With viral cases still surging in Britain, it's curious that the palace felt now was the most opportune time for such an event.
The palace confirmed the knighting on Wednesday in a statement: "On Friday 17th July 2020, Her Majesty The Queen will confer the Honour of Knighthood on Captain Sir Thomas Moore at an Investiture at Windsor Castle. Captain Sir Thomas Moore will be accompanied by members of his family."
The Queen used a sword owned by her father, King George VI, to knight Captain Moore.
To keep everyone safe, only the Queen, Captain Moore, and his family were allowed to attend the event, and no additional people were allowed in the area as the Queen conducted the official ceremony.
Earlier this week, Captain Moore expressed his happiness about the knighthood via Twitter: "I could never have imagined this would happen to me. It is such a huge honour and I am very much looking forward to meeting Her Majesty The Queen. It is going to be the most special of days for me."
Captain Moore was born in Yorkshire and worked as a civil engineer before enlisting in the British Army during World War II. He was chosen for officer training in 1940, and his military career took him to posts in India, Indonesia, and England.
Captain Moore had an accident two years ago and injured his hip. This led to a bout of hospitalization and therapy, which made him realize how valuable Britain's NHS health care system is. He has been working tirelessly throughout the health crisis to support health care workers.
He has noted, "You are all entering into something where you are putting yourself in danger and you're doing that for the good of the people here. You are doing a marvellous, marvellous job."
Captain Moore is definitely a British hero, and his knighthood is most deserved.
However, the fact remains that Princess Beatrice has endured letdown after letdown as it has pertained to her wedding. While she has likely been raised to understand that the Queen has responsibilities to attend to, one wonders how she felt when her grandmother left her wedding early for yet another duty.
In its official statement, Buckingham Palace reported, "The private wedding ceremony of Princess Beatrice and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi took place at 11 a.m. on Friday 17th July at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor. The small ceremony was attended by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and close family. The wedding took place in accordance with all relevant Government Guidelines."
Beatrice's family has not made a statement yet. Her mother was on Twitter this morning, but simply plugged her "Storytime With Fergie and Friends" event that is scheduled for later today. It appears that it's basically business as usual for much of the royal family.
Today is also the Duchess of Cornwall's birthday, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have made a point to wish her a happy birthday, but they haven't said a word about Beatrice's wedding. This could be on purpose, as Beatrice and Edoardo may prefer it this way.
Many are speculating about what could have prompted Princess Beatrice and Edoardo to decide on a private, intimate late-morning wedding on a Friday. Perhaps the two are anxious to just be married and move on with their lives. Earlier this year, it was reported that Beatrice may move to Italy following her wedding.
