Princess Beatrice

ROYALS ‘THRILLED’ AND ‘DELIGHTED’ AT ENGAGEMENT NEWS PRINCESS BEATRICE SPARKLES WITH HAPPINESS AS SHE ANNOUNCES PLANS TO MARRY EDOARDO MAPELLI MOZZI NEXT YEAR

- Laura Benjamin

To even the most casual observer, it was clear that the love between Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was something special. Almost immediately after they were first linked, friends and insiders were sure the couple were destined for the altar. And now, just 11 months after meeting, the pair have cemented their commitment by announcing their engagement.

Beatrice accepted Edoardo’s proposal while holidaying in Italy earlier in September and they plan to marry next year. HELLO! can reveal that marriage has been on the cards for a while, with Edoardo visiting jeweler Shaun Leane to create an engagement ring four months ago.

Three official engagement photos – taken by the bride-to-be’s sister Princess Eugenie in Italy – show Beatrice beaming with joy and displaying her exquisite platinum and diamond ring.

The bride and groom-to-be said they were looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together. “We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement,” they said in an official statement. “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.”

And on his Instagram, Edoardo wrote to his fiancée: “You will never be alone my love, my heart is your home. Hand in hand, today, tomorrow and forever.”