We're going to the chapel

History, romance and the glamour of Buckingham Palace gardens are in store when the Queen hosts her granddaughter for an exclusive family wedding in May, writes Juliet Rieden.

- Juliet Rieden

Mother of the bride-to-be, Sarah, Duchess of York, said she had “tears of joy” when her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, became engaged to Italian property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Sarah had known Edo since he was four – “his brother is my godson” she said – and was thrilled he would now be her son-in-law.

There’s no doubt the proud mum will be shedding more tears when the couple ties the knot in what will be a private and intimate wedding for close family and friends on Friday, May 29. It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony for Princess Beatrice, 31, and the exceedingly dashing Edo, 37, who will be saying “I do” in the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace.

Many royals have married in this very special chapel in the heart of London, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert back in 1840, and the Queen’s grandparents, the then Duke of York and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (later King George V and Queen Mary), and in 2013, Prince George was baptised at the chapel font. For Beatrice to be married there the Queen had to grant permission and the ceremony will be followed by a reception given by Her Majesty in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.