Princess Beatrice of York, currently ninth in line to the British throne, is now engaged to suave business tycoon Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. So who exactly is he?
The man set to marry a princess, has several million dollars, a successful real estate firm, ridiculous good looks, and a close friendship with David Cameron and the British royal family.
Mozzi, often just referred to as ‘Edo’, is a long-time family friend of Beatrice’s, reports vary but it goes as far as 2011 as when the two first became friends. Edo’s stepfather, Christopher Shale passed away and Beatrice and her family attended the funeral. Shale was British political figure and a close friend of David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister.
Fast-forward to 2014 and the pair were both in attendance at a wedding in Italy. It wasn’t till 2018 though that their relationship was official. His first public appearance wasn’t till March of this year where he attended the National Portrait Gallery gala with Beatrice.
He is Beatrice’s first public boyfriend since she split from Uber executive Dave Clark in 2016 after 10 years together.
Nikki Williams-Ellis and Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, Edo’s parents, said of the couple’s engagement: “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.”
The 34-year old founded both a company and a charity. Cricket Builds Hope is an organisation that teaches Rwandan children how to play cricket.
According to its website, “CBH harnesses the power of sport to promote reconciliation and tackle deep-seated social issues like gender inequality through specially tailored sessions run by CBH’s cricket coaching team.”
His business, which has garnered him millions, is called Banda and was launched in 2007. The company focuses on creating million dollar homes for the super-rich and super chic.
As ninth in line to the throne, Princess Beatrice doesn’t have to ask the Queen’s permission to marry.
The pair are set to marry in 2020.
You can read the full royal release below:
