Princess Beatrice Is Devoted To Her Father Despite Scrutiny Of His Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein

In the images released to announce Princess Beatrice’s engagement to property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, the couple are a picture of happiness. But as they now plan their wedding, sources tell Grazia that they are struggling to work out how to handle the controversy dogging the bride’s father Prince Andrew, whose friendship withthe late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein is under increasing scrutiny.

When Beatrice’s sister Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank last year, the ceremony was broadcast on ITV – a move apparently orchestrated by Prince Andrew, who also walked his younger daughter down the aisle of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. But much has changed in a year.

Prince Andrew’s friendship with Epstein has been back in the spotlight after the latter was found hanged in his prison cell in August following his arrest on charges of sex trafficking minors. Prince Andrew strongly denies claims by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s alleged victims, that he had sex with her on three occasions, once in Florida when she was 17, under the age of consent there. But the allegations, and the fact the duke was photographed with Epstein in 2010, two years after he had been convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution, have raised questions about his judgement.

Last week, the duke claimed he only made he visit to end the pair’s friendship. ‘The Duke of York felt that the country wanted to be included in his youngest daughter’s wedding. But Palace insiders are aware the mood may have changed,’ a source tells Grazia. So discussions for Beatrice’s wedding are focused on some key questions: should Andrew take an active role? Should it be televised? How much should it cost?

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie remain devoted to their father – with the bride said to be insistent that he’ll walk her down the aisle. ‘Beatrice and Eugenie are greatly distressed by the Epstein case. They love their father and will stand by him,’ says the source.

So what else do we know about next year’s wedding? While initially it was rumoured the pair were considering a ceremony in Edoardo’s native Italy, last week Beatrice’s mother Sarah, Duchess of York, confirmed: ‘It can only be Britain.’ Speaking on the red carpet at the British Film Institute Luminous Gala, she added, ‘I’ve known Edo since he was four. His brother is my godson. It’s really, really good news. I’m really proud of them both.'

The budget presents complications, however. When Eugenie married, some took issue with the £2m bill handed to taxpayers, since she’s a minor royal (eleventh in line to the throne; Beatrice is tenth). Controversies concerning royal spending have become more frequent since then, with the refurbishment of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s home particularly coming under fire, and this is being kept in mind.

One potential minefield has been resolved. Reports say the couple have already invited Dara Huang, Edoardo’s ex-partner and mother of his two-year-old son Christopher. They have, Grazia’s source understands, found a way to be ‘amicable’.

Edoardo is said to be especially relieved. When he started dating Beatrice a year ago, he felt that the public and the media did not respond well to him having left Dara as single mother to a baby. ‘He was devastated that the media portrayed him as a villain,’ a friend of his says. ‘Beatrice and Edoardo are truly very happy together, and now just want the public to recognise it too.

See how Princess Beatrice's style has evolved over the years: