Princess Beatrice is set to get married next year to her fiancé, property tycoon Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Though the royal has yet to announce a wedding date and venue, there were rumors that Beatrice could be considering moving her big day to Italy because of Prince Andrew's drama.
Princess Beatrice and Mozzi announced their engagement in September. The Italian businessman proposed to the princess during their vacation in Italy. The couple hasn't released details about the wedding except for the Buckingham Palace's statement saying the nuptials would take place in 2020.
Beatrice's parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, also released a joint statement at the time. The former royal couple described their joy and pride for their daughter's engagement.
Then, Prince Andrew's relationship with the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein was brought up in the news after the latter's death in prison in August. The Duke of York recently had a sit-down interview with BBC's Newsnight host Emily Maitlis where he was asked about his close friendship with Epstein.
He was also asked about the accusations about sex with underage girls. Andrew denied the allegation and explained his relationship with Epstein.
After the interview was aired, Andrews faced backlash from the public. Several companies, charities, and organizations cut ties with him. Queen Elizabeth II's third child announced that he would step down from his royal duties.
Then, it was revealed that Princess Beatrice was closely involved in setting up her father's interview. Reports have it that Beatrice was skeptical at first that the interview is the best way to handle the situation. She reportedly voiced her concerns.
In the end, however, she was convinced by the Newsnight team and Duke's then-private secretary Amanda Thirsk that they had no choice and it is the only way to put all the rumors to rest. Now, Princess Beatrice is upset that she did not do more to stop the interview. The princess is reportedly in tears every day since the interview went out.
The Sun cited some friends of Prince Andrew as saying that part of the Duke of York's motivation to speak on TV was to be able to walk Beatrice down the aisle with his "head held high." However, the interview backfired, and it fueled more questions than answers. Royal expert Marlene Koenig said, because of Prince Andrew's drama, it wouldn't be surprising if Beatrice will opt for a very private wedding.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told OK magazine (via Express) Beatrice seems to love the idea of a wedding in her fiance's home country, Italy. However, her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, may not be able to attend her wedding if it will be outside the U.K. If Beatrice wants the Queen at her wedding, it has to be in England.
