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The property developer has defended his travels as 'completely normal'

Princess Beatrice's husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 42, has touched down in the UK following a brief business trip to the United States with his property company, Banda, the firm's Instagram account has announced.

Banda documented the transatlantic trip on social media, posting after the team had already arrived home, a move likely motivated by security considerations.

The first update announced that the team was heading to visit "one of our upcoming projects halfway across the world."

A subsequent post showed the CEO getting stuck in at a workshop, with the caption: "Edo our CEO is already assessing all available options in the workshop."

A final image depicted an airport runway, accompanied by the message: "A quick trip but nonetheless eventful one, thank you America, and it won't be long until we see you again."

Earlier this year, Mr Mapelli Mozzi faced criticism for spending extended periods travelling alone for business, including trips to Florida and Los Angeles, while Princess Beatrice remained in the UK with their children.

This period coincided with Beatrice's father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In response to the criticism, Mr Mapelli Mozzi told The Mail that it is "completely normal for a business owner to travel for work" and that such commitments occur "in every industry."

Mr Mapelli Mozzi's most recent personal Instagram post was a heartfelt birthday message to Beatrice, in which he wrote: "Happy Birthday to my phenomenal, beautiful wife. We love so much. You make our world. Love E,W,S,A xxxx. 8.8.88."

The tribute was accompanied by several personal photographs, including a selfie taken at the wedding of Harriet Phillips in June.

The post attracted warm responses from followers, with many sending birthday wishes to the Princess of York.

One commenter offered words of encouragement in light of the ongoing controversy surrounding Beatrice's father, urging the couple to "go to ground with your immediate family until it will eventually pass you by."

Mr Mapelli Mozzi's return comes at a pivotal moment for the family, as they gear up for the start of the new school term, a familiar adjustment for households across England after the summer holidays.

Like countless other parents, the couple now face the annual transition back into the school-run routine, with their children due to resume classes in London imminently.

The family is believed to have spent the summer break at their luxury Cotswolds property, but the new term necessitates a move back to their residence at St James's Palace in the capital.

It is from this London base that Sienna, the couple's eldest child, and Wolfie, Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son, attend school. The couple's youngest, Athena, is just one year old.

In a rare interview with The Times in 2024, Mr Mapelli Mozzi disclosed that the family continues to use their Palace apartment because of school commitments.

He also revealed that his daily walk to drop the children off takes him past his own £42million Belgravia development project.