Princess Beatrice was allowed to break this royal rule thanks to the Duchess of Sussex

Princess Beatrice was allowed to break a royal rule at Sandringham this Christmas, and it’s all thanks to the Duchess of Sussex.

• Princess Beatrice was allowed to bring her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi to spend Christmas with the royal family, an invite traditionally reserved for spouses only.
• This is thought to be because Duchess Meghan was allowed to attend back in 2017, just a month after her engagement to Prince Harry.
• This follows royal news that the Duchess of Cambridge revealed a very relatable Christmas day regret.

Christmas is a serious affair for the royal family , starting with the Queen’s Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, just days before the family are due to meet in Norfolk for the festivities.

But while the festive season is a time to spend with your loved ones, royals have traditionally only been allowed to bring their other halves after tying the knot.

The Duchess of Cambridge only had her first royal Christmas in 2011, after marrying Prince William in April that year. However, after Duchess Meghan was allowed to join the royals before the wedding, back in 2017, it seems she set a precedent for Princess Eugenie to be able to bring Edoardo.

READ MORE: Why the Duchess of York spent Christmas ‘on her own’ away from her two daughters

Speaking about the decision at the time, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk, “In 2010 Kate was not invited to do so after her engagement to William nor was Mike Tindall after his to the Princess Royal's daughter Zara Phillips and only spouses and close family are usually invited.

"However Harry and Meghan will be living together at Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace and her family are in the United States. The monarchy relies heavily on precedent and tradition but it also makes its own."

Beatrice and Edoardo are set to wed this year, but details of the nuptials are yet to be announced.

The couple announced their engagement last September, with a statement saying, ‘We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement.

‘We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to be married.‘We share so many similar interests and values and we know this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.’