Princess Beatrice's royal wedding to her Italian fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi could be impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. An insider revealed that the risks have been raised since they are expecting guests from Edo's side of the family in Italy.
A source told The Telegraph that the virus scare has thrown Princess Beatrice's wedding preparations in turmoil. With the rising number of patients infected with COVID-19, the U.K. could declare a lockdown.
A lockdown is already in place in Italy, where Edo still has many relatives, including his father. The source said that, because of this, working out Princess Beatrice's wedding guest list has become problematic. However, it's uncertain if Italy will remain under a lockdown close to the day of the royal wedding on May 29.
Concerns have also been raised as Princess Beatrice's wedding guests include her elderly grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The coronavirus is a more serious threat to the health of those above 60 years old, those with pre-existing conditions and those with immunity diseases.
However, sources said that the Duke of Edinburgh, who is turning 99 years old in June, could skip the royal event entirely as he has been under a self-imposed isolation since his health issues last December. Royal author Phil Dampier said he doubts that Prince Philip will risk his health to attend the wedding, especially if the threat of the virus escalates.
On the other hand, Queen Elizabeth, who is 93 years old, has been "keeping calm and carrying on" as the Brits would say. Palace insiders, however, are growing concerned about the Queen's state of health as she continues to meet and greet thousands in public. In recent royal engagements, the Queen has opted not to shake hands as advised by her staff.
Princess Beatrice's father, Prince Andrew, who is 60 years old, is going to walk his daughter down the aisle. Edo's only son from a previous relationship, Wolfie, who is three years old, will serve as the Best Man.
The York princess and Edo got engaged in September 2019. Their royal wedding's preparations have been delayed amid the scandals and controversies in the royal family, especially with Prince Andrew.
In December, Princess Beatrice and Edo had their engagement party in London. Prince Andrew apparently skipped the event so as not to attract media attention. The Duke of York has been out of the public eye after his disastrous interview here he clarified his friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
