Princess Beatrice and husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi make rare public appearance together in Sweden

Princess Beatrice was joined by her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Stockholm today as they met with Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden to discuss dyslexia. The Queen ‘s granddaughter, 33, cut an elegant figure in a mid-length black and blue floral gown by designer Zimmermann as she met the Swedish royals at the Royal Palace for the The World Dyslexia Assembly morning. 

Beatrice was herself diagnosed with the learning difficulty, which can affect reading, writing and spelling, when she was seven and has previously referred to the condition as a ‘gift.’ The occasion marked a rare joint public outing for the royal’s husband Edoardo, who also has the condition.

Princess Beatrice appeared in high spirits at the event, wearing her auburn locks in loose waves. She opted for natural makeup for the outing, with a sweep of eyeliner and a touch of lip gloss. Meanwhile she donned a black polkadot dress from Zimmermann for the occasion, which she had previously worn to the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2019.

Beatrice joined a group which included Eric Adams Mayor of New York and Sir Richard Branson to call for systemic change to empower Dyslexic Thinking in every school and workplace. It is the first World Dyslexia Assembly at the Swedish Royal Palace and came in partnership with the Prince Couple’s Foundation, Prinsparet Stiftelse, and is supported by Microsoft. Pictured: Beatrice (center) with Queen Silvia of Sweden (left) and Princess Sofia (right). 

The World Dyslexia Assembly aims to create systemic change in how the world perceives, defines and supports dyslexia by bringing together sovereign leaders, governments, iconic brands and the most powerful change-makers.  Made By Dyslexia’s mission is to train every teacher and help every workplace to spot, support and empower every dyslexic mind. This mission is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and they aim to achieve this by 2030. Pictured (left-right): Prince Carl Philip, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, Queen Silvia, Princess Beatrice and Princess Sofia. 

The Assembly was hosted by Robyn Curnow, CNN News Anchor, who is dyslexic herself. She hosted the panel discussions on how to empower Dyslexic Thinking in the workplace and in education from global leaders including Microsoft, HSBC, Meta, Randstad Sourceright, International Dyslexia Association, Millfield School and many successful dyslexics including Space Scientist, Maggie Aderin-Pocock who explained how their Dyslexic Thinking has helped them to succeed.

The Assembly closed with the handing over of the Made By Dyslexia torch of global change to Eric Adams, Mayor of New York, who will host the next World Dyslexia Assembly in New York City in Spring 2023. The mayor himself is dyslexic, and passionate about creating equality in all New York City schools.

HRH Prince Carl Philip of Sweden said: ‘Through the Prince Couple’s Foundation, Princess Sofia and I wish to do our part to contribute to an inclusive society; a society that enables each individual to reach their full potential. Our wish is that the Assembly contributes to new conversations, new collaborations and new solutions that contribute to supporting every child and youth in being themselves.’ 

Meanwhile Kate Griggs, CEO of Made By Dyslexia, said: ‘The World Dyslexia Assembly is building the ultimate alliance of game-changers across the globe and includes sovereign leaders, governments, iconic brands and powerful change-makers, all who share our passion to create systemic change to level the playing field and help to create school systems where every dyslexic child thrives… and to empower workplaces where every dyslexic adult can flourish.’

Princess Beatrice has previously spoken movingly about her experience of dyslexia. Speaking to Hello! magazine, she referred to it as a ‘gift’ because she feels it has offered her different skills in life, saying: ‘I think that having dyslexia and reflecting on where I am right now in my career path, and also as an older person looking back, it definitely has allowed me to look at things in a new way and come up with solutions.’

The Duke and Duchess of York’s daughter said that ‘if any child, any bonus son, or future babies that are on their way, are lucky enough to be diagnosed with dyslexia, I feel incredibly grateful to have tools such as the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity [that she’s patron of] to be able to tap into, to give them that extra support.’

‘I always describe it like being able to think in a circle. Yes, my spelling is appalling, and I wish that I could do something about that. But luckily, spellcheck has sorted that out for me. Beatrice added: ‘I think life is about the moments, it’s the challenges that make you. Of course, I would never want there to be any difficult situations. But I feel like if we’re able to embrace some of the tools that we have from the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity and other organizations, then I feel very, very lucky that we can have this conversation.’