Princess Beatrice, Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi go to the Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2022, in Sandringham, Norfolk. | Source: Getty Images
The 2023 Christmas photograph brought a delightful surprise to the public, featuring a charming biracial boy standing among the young royals: Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi, affectionately known as “Wolfie.”
Christopher is dearly loved as Princess Beatrice of York’s stepson. He is the son of her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and his former girlfriend, Dara Huang, a skilled architect and designer.
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi’s mother, Dara Huang. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
Dara and Edoardo welcomed Christopher in 2016. After his birth, the couple eventually separated. Despite their separation, they continue to maintain a commendable co-parenting dynamic, focusing on their son’s well-being.
Dara Huang and her son Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi enjoy autumn together. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
Due to work, Dara splits her time between London and Hong Kong, with Christopher staying with Edoardo during her absences. Nevertheless, Dara deeply values and makes the most of her moments with Christopher, sharing special experiences and honoring him in her own way.
When Christopher turned eight on March 28, the proud mom paid tribute to their son on Instagram. “Happy birthday Wolfie🙏❤️. Nothing has brought me more joy in my life than being your mommy. Another sweet year watching you grow,” her post read.
A Glimpse into Dara and Christopher’s Bond
Dara doesn’t often show Christopher’s face online, but when she does share, it’s special. She gives her followers a little look into their lives together on Instagram.
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi’s face is covered with a heart emoji. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
In one post, she beams, holding a young Christopher against a breezy beach backdrop, sharing a nostalgic photo of their beach day.
Similarly, she captures another tender beach moment, wherein she wraps Christopher in a scarf, embracing him in a display of mother-son affection.
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi is nestled close to his mother, Dara Huang’s side. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
Dara also highlighted a memorable trip to the Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica, where, during a work assignment, her client offered Christopher a tour of the site she was designing.
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi looks away as Dara Huang’s client holds him up in the air. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
On a more recent vacation to NIHI Sumba Island, Dara and Christopher enjoyed beachside moments, embracing and delighting in the presence of roaming horses, both clad in matching white outfits.
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi hugs his mother, Dara Huang, by the beach. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
Another photo captures Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi sharing sweet moments with his mother, Dara Huang, by the coastline. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
In one post, she expressed, “What a magical place🙏💙 Thank you, Sumba, for teaching me about life 🌍 so I can pass it on.”
Dara added to their memories by posting a photo of Christopher drawing under her guidance, affectionately dubbing him her “little artist.”
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi shows off his artistic skills, drawing on a portrait while his mom, Dara Huang, holds him from behind. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
She shared an adorable photo of Christopher, seated outside a restaurant, absorbed in screen time. The young boy looked charming in his white and brown outfit.
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi casually enjoying screen time at a restaurant. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
Their adventures together included a trip t to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Dara, wearing black and smiling, hugged Christopher, who stood out in his green shirt and yellow shorts.
Dara Huang hugs her son Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
They’ve celebrated everything from major holidays to Mother’s Day together. On Christmas Day 2023, they captured their holiday spirit in a photo. Dara captioned, “Merry Christmas everyone and to all a good night.”
Dara Huang and Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi’s Christmas photo in 2023. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
They celebrated Chinese New Year, with Dara posting a photo of Christopher next to a table of traditional food, sharing her pride in passing down cherished traditions to her son, who she noted as a “little dragon.”
Dara expressed heartfelt sentiments in her Mother’s Day post, recognizing the challenges and joys of motherhood. She extends love and appreciation to all the amazing mothers around the world.
Dara Huang smiles while carrying Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi in a black-and-white photo. | Source: Instagram/dara_huang
While Christopher enjoys these special moments with his mother, he equally divides his time between his stepmother and father, making appearances at royal engagements.
Christopher’s Moments inside the British Royal Family
In recent years, Christopher has been seen on some of the royal family’s important occasions. In 2020, he stepped into the spotlight during his father’s wedding to Princess Beatrice at The Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi stands outside The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor, after their wedding, with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on July 18, 2020, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Christopher served both as page boy and best man, marking a significant role in his father’s new chapter with the royal family. The wedding, an intimate event, welcomed fewer than 20 guests.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi smile during their wedding day on July 18, 2020, in Windsor, England. | Source: Instagram/princesseugenie
Prior to this occasion, the royal family warmly received the announcement of the couple’s engagement in 2019, especially Christopher’s mother, Dara. Although not at the wedding, Dara wished her former partner and the princess well, optimistic about their family’s future.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi appear regal on their wedding day. | Source: Instagram/princesseugenie
In Christmas 2022, Christopher was seen walking with Princess Beatrice and Edoardo to the church in Sandringham. This occasion marked his first time joining the royal family for the holidays.
The holiday event followed Christopher’s attendance at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in the summer of 2022.
Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend the Platinum Pageant, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th accession anniversary on June 5, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The year 2023 also brought more public engagements for Christopher. On December 8, he attended a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, organized by Princess Kate.
Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi walks hand in hand with Princess Beatrice of York, accompanied by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, at the “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023, in London. | Source: Getty Images
The event showed unity, with Christopher between Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, each holding candles. Princess Beatrice and Edoardo stood just behind, emphasizing the family bond.
Prince George, Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis held lighted candles during the “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023, in London. | Source: Getty Images
After the service, there was a touching moment when Princess Beatrice, Edoardo, and Christopher walked closely behind Princess Kate, Prince William, and their children. Christopher held hands with Beatrice, showing how close the two have become.
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi walks behind Princess Beatrice of York, who is seen holding hands with her stepson Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi as they attend the “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2023, in London. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Beatrice is the first royal of her generation to become a stepmother. In 2019, a source shared that she has become a “fantastic step-mummy.”
Princess Beatrice attends the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The bond between Princess Beatrice and Christopher has only deepened over time. In May 2023, during the 10th annual Oscar’s Book Prize ceremony, Princess Beatrice shared heartfelt insights into their shared love of reading.
Princess Beatrice attends the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at St George’s Chapel on May 18, 2019 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
“My stepson, who is now seven, and I eagerly look forward to receiving the books and going through them together, Princess Beatrice said in her speech.
A Modern Royal Family: Celebrating Birth, Love, and Heritage
Christopher not only played significant roles in his dad and stepmother’s wedding but also embraced his role as a big brother to his now two-year-old half-sister Sienna Elizabeth.
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Beatrice of York attend attends the Lenny Kravitz & Dom Perignon “Assemblage” exhibition, the launch Of Lenny Kravitz’ UK Photography Exhibition, on July 10, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Sienna is Princess Beatrice and Edoardo’s first child together, who was born in September 2021 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.
Princess Beatrice attends Wimbledon Championships Tennis Tournament at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 8, 2021 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Just as Edoardo has expressed his admiration for his beloved wife’s influence in his life, he also shared a heartwarming tribute to their little daughter.
The proud father lovingly wrote on Instagram, “Our life together has just begun, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things that await us.”
The couple’s choice of name for their daughter, as revealed by a family friend, was a thoughtful tribute to Princess Beatrice’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
Sienna’s middle name beautifully nods to the royal family’s rich heritage, offering a sweet homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The tradition of thoughtful naming runs deep in the royal family, signifying reverence and honoring previous generations.
Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi and her cousin August Philip Hawke Brooksbank look at the aquarium at London Zoo. | Source: Instagram/princesseugenie
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William, for instance, chose the name Charlotte Elizabeth Diana for their daughter, weaving together names of significant family members.
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paid tribute to both the late Queen and Princess Diana by naming their daughter Lilibet Diana, affectionately nicknamed “Lili.”
Lilibet is Meghan and Prince Harry’s youngest daughter, while their son Archie is the eldest. However, a recent update to the children’s surnames that aligned with their royal titles, authorized by King Charles III in 2022, marks a thoughtful continuation of this tradition.
Harry and Meghan’s children were known to use the paternal royal surname “Mountbatten-Windsor.” But at their daughter Lilibet’s christening in March 2023, they used royal titles, introducing “Prince Archie of Sussex” and “Princess Lilibet of Sussex” for the first time.
The royal family’s website officially recognized the change, matching Harry and Meghan’s usage. Even though they stepped back from formal royal responsibilities, they have retained their titles as Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during an official photocall to announce their engagement at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Now settled in California, the couple is forging a new path. They’ve updated their online presence from “Sussex Royal” to simply “Sussex,” showing a move towards prioritizing personal values over traditional royal roles.
Their website now includes a section aimed at offering more insight into their lives and activities. Their children, whose names reflect Harry’s heritage, play a significant role in their American life.
After moving, the couple launched the Archewell Foundation and introduced the podcast “Archetypes,” highlighting their ongoing commitment to public service and meaningful conversations.