Princess Beatrice engaged to property tycoon partner Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

Princess Beatrice is engaged to her property tycoon boyfriend Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, her parents the Duke and Duchess of York have confirmed.

Edoardo popped the question on a recent holiday in Italy, where the happy couple posed for a series of photos together – taken by Beatrice’s sister Princess Eugenie – featuring Beatrice cuddling up to her millionaire partner and showing off a huge sparkling diamond ring on her left hand.

They said in a statement: “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 that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.” The couple got engaged in Italy earlier this month, the royal family confirmed, with the wedding set to take place in 2020. The beautiful photoshoot was taken in the stunning location at the time.

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Eugenie was the first to congratulate the pair, writing on Instagram: “Beabea – wow! I’m so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo. It’s been a long time coming and you two are meant to be. [photo] by me!!”

Royal followers rushed to share congratulations messages with one writing: “Lovely news – wishing you and yours much happiness for the years ahead,” while another added: “Wonderful news. Congratulations to the happy couple from Australia.”

Beatrice, whose younger sister Eugenie tied the knot in October last year, has been dating Edoardo for 11 months, with the pair regularly seen out in public together. Proud mum Fergie shared her own statement, revealing her pride and excitement alongside a new black and white photo of the pair.

“I know what a mother feels so I have tears of joy. I am so proud of this sensational news. Andrew and I are just the luckiest people ever to have two great sons in law,” she wrote.

“@princesseugenie took the colour photographs as my girls are so close. Beatrice and Edo wanted her to capture this special moment. The black and white photographs were taken by Misan Harriman at Royal Lodge, Windsor Great Park.”

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Misan Harriman herself said: “Everything clicks when they are together and that’s exactly what my lens captured. It was an honour to observe and document such love.”

And the groom-to-be’s parents shared their own congratulations. Nikki Williams-Ellis and Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi said: “We are truly delighted about Edoardo and Beatrice’s engagement. Our family has known Beatrice for most of her life.

“Edo and Beatrice are made for each other, and their happiness and love for each other is there for all to see. They share an incredibly strong and united bond, their marriage will only strengthen what is already a wonderful relationship.”

Beatrice and Edo are said to have been introduced through mutual friends, according to Town & Country magazine. According to the publication, Beatrice’s parents were friends with Mozzi’s late stepfather Christopher Shale, who worked in British politics prior to his death in 2011 at Glastonbury festival.

It is also thought to be the Queen’s granddaughter’s first relationship since splitting from her long-term boyfriend of 10 years, Dave Clark, in 2016. The real estate firm CEO, 34, is also father to a young son named Wolfie from a previous relationship.