First we were treated to adorable photos of Archie and now, just a day later we’re delighted to hear that Princess Beatrice of York has announced her engagement to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Buckingham Palace announced the exciting news in a statement on Thursday, revealing Edoardo proposed to the Duke and Duchess of York’s eldest daughter earlier this month in Italy, with the wedding to take place in 2020.
“We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement,” Princess Beatrice, 31, and Edoardo, 36, shared in a joint 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.”
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo took their relationship public in March to attend the National Portrait Gallery’s 2019 Gala. (Image: Getty)
While Princess Beatrice doesn’t have a public Instagram account, Edoardo wrote a romantic post on his, sharing beautiful black and white photographs taken by Misan Harriman at Royal Lodge.
“You will never be alone my love, my heart is your home,” Beatrice’s fiancé wrote.
“Hand in hand, today, tomorrow and forever 💍”
The Duke and Duchess of York also took their respective social media accounts to celebrate the exciting news.
Posting two photographs to Instagram, which Prince Andrew revealed were taken by his youngest daughter Princess Eugenie, one showed the happy couple embracing, while the second shows a close-up of the gorgeous ring.
Edoardo, often referred to as ‘Edo’, designed the breathtaking sparkler in collaboration with the British jeweller Shaun Leane.
“We are thrilled that Beatrice and Edoardo have got engaged, having watched their relationship develop with pride,” the Duke and Duchess of York shared in a joint statement.
“We are the lucky parents of a wonderful daughter who has found her love and companion in a completely devoted friend and loyal young man. We send them every good wish for a wonderful family future.”
Always one to share plenty of personal, heartfelt post about her daughters, Sarah Ferguson shared an emotional post to her Instagram, writing, “I know what a mother feels so I have tears of joy. I am so proud of this sensational news.
“Andrew and I are the luckiest people ever to have two great sons in law.”
Adding: “@princesseugenie took the colour photographs as my girls are so close. Beatrice and Edo wanted her to capture this special moment.”
Princess Eugenie, photographer of the hour, also shared how happy she was for her “big sissy”.
“Beabea – wow! I’m so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo,” she wrote on Instagram.
“It’s been a long time coming and you two are meant to be.”
Of their son’s engagement to Princess Beatrice, Edo’s parents Nikki Williams-Ellis and Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi said: “We are truly delighted about Edoardo and Beatrice’s engagement.
“Our family have 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 reportedly began dating in November last year, after having known each other for years, making their first public appearance together at the National Portrait Gallery’s 2019 Gala in March.
Edoardo is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Shale, and his stepfather was Christopher Shale, was a close friend of former prime minister David Cameron, who tragically died in 2011.
In honour of his memory, Edo co-founded the charity Cricket Builds Hope, an organisation which teaches Rwandans how to play cricket to use the power of sport to tackle deep-seated social issues and promote reconciliation.
The gorgeous ring which Edoardo designed himself! (Image: Princes Eugenie of York)
According to Town & Country magazine Edoardo is a property developer who founded the real estate firm Banda in 2007, currently serving as its CEO. The company specialises in developing homes for wealthy clients.
And while the thoughts of starting a family may be a wee while away for the newly engaged couple, the two will still have a little one to keep them occupied, with Edoardo already a father to toddler Christopher ‘Wolfie’ Woolf Mapelli Mozzi, whom he shared with former partner Dara Huang.
How exciting for the gorgeous couple, congratulations Beatrice and Edoardo!
