Daily Express

Beatrice wedding limit is two church guests

- By Laura Elston

PRINCESS Beatrice can have only two guests at her wedding if the coronaviru­s crisis continues.

The Church of England has said attendance at such services during the pandemic should be limited to the legal minimum of five – the priest, the bride and groom and two witnesses.

The Queen’s granddaugh­ter, 31, and fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 37, have already cancelled their reception, which was due to

take place in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Beatrice and millionair­e property tycoon Edoardo still plan to wed on May 29 but are looking at whether a private marriage with a small group would be feasible.

Yet with the limit on two, Beatrice could have her parents – the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York – but not her sister Princess Eugenie. Couples are being advised to “stream” ceremonies to friends and family.

Beatrice is set to walk down the aisle in the Chapel Royal of St James’s Palace in London.

Her nuptials have already been overshadow­ed by the scandal engulfing her father.

Andrew retired from public royal duties in November after his disastrous TV interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, 60, strenuousl­y denies claims from Virginia Roberts Giuffre that he slept with her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein.

Beatrice would have been expected to wed in front of 800 guests in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, just like her sister Princess Eugenie, 29, whose ceremony was televised.

But amid the controvers­y over her father, she opted to invite just 150 guests. Prior to the Covid-19, Beatrice would have wanted her grandparen­ts there, but the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are currently at Windsor Castle socially distancing themselves.

 ??  ?? Princess Beatrice and fiance Edoardo
Princess Beatrice and fiance Edoardo

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