Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi with the Queen

The secret gift Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi gave to the late Queen

The property developer called on his stepfather David Williams-Ellis

Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
November 21, 2023
Share this:

What do you give the person who has everything? Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was likely racking his brains when he was deciding what gift would be suitable for his then girlfriend's grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, back in 2018. 

But luckily for Edoardo, he was able to call on his stepfather David Williams-Ellis, a talented sculptor, for help.

The full interview with David Williams-Ellis was published on our newly launched HELLO! Royal Club

Statue given to the late Queen from Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi© David Williams-Ellis
The statue gifted to the late Queen by Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, made by his stepfather David Williams-Ellis

To read the full piece and to find out more about the real Edoardo as he turned 40 last week – what makes him an "extraordinary" father, what makes him a successful businessman, and his relationship with wife Beatrice – subscribe to become a part of our club here

As a special offer for our launch, if you upgrade to a paid annual or monthly membership by the end of November, you will receive a discounted price which will last for the lifetime of your membership. 

More information can be found here.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Ascot outfits© Getty
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo married in July 2020

Edoardo commissioned his stepfather David to cast a statue of the Queen. The bronze figurine depicted Her Late Majesty looking up and stroking a horse. Edoardo and his then-girlfriend Beatrice, who went public with their romance in 2018, thought it was a perfect gift for the late monarch, who was a formidable equestrian and great lover of horses.

"I made the maquette of the Queen and the horse for a project which didn't actually happen, and Edo and Beatrice saw it and fell in love with it," sculptor David told HELLO! in an exclusive interview.

"They thought that it captured the real spirit of the Queen, Beatrice's grandmother. It's always odd talking to someone whose grandmother is the Queen and especially when you've done a sculpture of them. 

"Edo decided that he wanted to give one to Beatrice and to give one to the Queen. So, he had them commissioned to be cast. They love it." 

Edoardo also ended up giving the same sculpture the following year in 2019 for his then girlfriend's birthday, seeing how much she loved it. 

Princess Beatrice's stepfather David Williams-Ellis© Getty
The full interview with David Williams-Ellis was first published on the HELLO! Royal Club

The property developer and the Princess married in July 2020 after their original plans to marry at St James's Palace had to be called off due to COVID. 

In September 2021, they welcomed their daughter Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, although they tend to keep their little girl out of the public eye. 

LISTEN: Find out what Prince William's name will be when he becomes King:

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Royalty

See more