The wedding reception for Princess Beatrice of York and her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi has been cancelled amid concerns over the new coronavirus pandemic, the BBC has confirmed.
The couple may still hold a small ceremony in May, according to a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace, but they will consider “government advice” before making any decisions.
Queen Elizabeth II planned to host the reception in the gardens at Buckingham Palace. However, all garden parties have been cancelled indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
READ MORE: Prince Andrew’s daughter, Princess Beatrice, announces private wedding venue
Beatrice and Mozzi wish to avoid “unnecessary risks,” the spokesperson said.
They’re “particularly conscious” of “the well-being of older family members and large gatherings of people.”
Princess Beatrice, 31, was originally scheduled to marry the Italian property developer on May 29 at the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace.
This isn’t the first time Beatrice’s wedding plans have been delayed.
The couple was engaged in September 2019, but their wedding plans were halted by the media’s renewed interest in the relationship between Beatrice’s father, Prince Andrew, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew was noticeably absent from Beatrice’s engagement party in December 2019.
Their original wedding plans weren’t announced until February. According to royal historian Carolyn Harris, “the scrutiny surrounding her father” could explain the gap.
READ MORE: ‘I was appalled’ — Talking to people who ignore coronavirus advisories
“Certainly, a public appearance by Prince Andrew is going to attract a lot of attention.”