Princess Beatrice faced a ‘messy situation’ with Queen Elizabeth II in the lead up to her engagement to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Being ninth in the line of succession, she was required to gain the Queen’s consent before marrying the property tycoon.
The consent of her royal highness is crucial as it means that any children born in the marriage can take their own places in the line of succession.
According to Express, the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act rules that the first six heirs in line must ask the monarch for permission to marry.
Chris Bryant MP argued that the Act left the legal position of heirs like Beatrice as “just a mess”.
WATCH: Princess Beatrice engaged to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
The Act also impacted Princess Beatrice’s previous relationship with Dave Clark, as she was in a position to marry her boyfriend of ten years while still needing permission from the Queen.
Prior to the birth of Princess Charlotte, Beatrice was sixth in line, behind her father Prince Andrew.
The subsequent births of Prince Louis and Archie Harrison have left Beatrice in a position where she is close to the throne in the line of succession but does not require the Queen’s permission to marry.
On the other hand, Prince William and Prince Harry were required to ask for permission from their grandmother to marry Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
The 31-year-old daughter of Sarah, Duchess of York, got engaged to the 34-year-old property tycoon in Italy earlier this month.
Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing the couple’s impending 2020 wedding, which read: “The Duke and Duchess of York are delighted to announce the engagement of Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York to Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Her Royal Highness and Mr. Mapelli Mozzi became engaged while away for the weekend in Italy earlier this month. The wedding will take place in 2020. Further details will be announced in due course.”
WATCH: Princess Beatrice refuses to curtsy to the Queen
The Royal Family Instagram account released a series of pictures from Beatrice’s engagement with their arms wrapped around each other, looking more in love than ever, to announce to the world they will be married next year.
In a special twist, it turns out the photos were taken by Beatrice’s sister, Princess Eugenie, who wrote on Instagram: “Beabea – wow! I’m so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo. It’s been a long time coming and you two are meant to be. 📷 by me!!”
