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    Couple gets engaged at Toni Braxton concert

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    South Africans are truly feeling the love this November! Straight off the heels of the KFC proposal that captured everyone’s hearts, yet another public proposal is making the rounds. This time, a man wanted his girlfriend to know she means the world to him and he showed it by proposing on stage at Toni Braxton’s concert.

    The RnB sensation is currently in South Africa as part of her As Long As I Live world tour. Uber driver Moegamad Luddy, from Strandfontien, knew that the concert was the perfect moment to pop the big question. His girlfriend, Camilla Hassan from Lentegeur, was brought on stage under the guise of having the crowd sing ‘happy birthday’ to her.

    The couple danced together on stage as Braxton serenaded them with a rendition of ‘Unbreak my heart’. Mid song, Luddy went down on one knee and proposed to a shocked Hassan.

    Credit: the Daily Voice
    Credit: the Daily Voice

    Speaking to the Daily Voice, Luddy explained that he wanted to go big for his love’s birthday because he had failed to the previous year.

    “Last year I messed up on her birthday, I left her heartbroken,” he said. “This time I just wanted to unbreak her heart, so that there will be no more sad love songs wrecking her brain, for as long as she lives she won’t have to get over me, so that by the end of the night I can hold her in my arms like a Spanish guitar and make her melt like an iceberg in the sea.”

    That’s not the only proposal that has happened on Braxton’s stage. In early November, another lucky South African couple became engaged in Braxton’s presence.

    Image: the Daily Voice

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    Exceeding expectations: Amazing public marriage proposals

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    You always expect your proposal story to be a great one. For some people, a great proposal story would be simple, quiet and intimate. Other people, however, prefer grand romantic gestures – the type that people never forget.

    Going all out for a public proposal is no small task. A lot of planning and co-ordinating is required and there are many moving parts, not to mention all the factors you can’t control.

    Check out this list of five outstanding public proposals.

    -The Skyscraper

    This is a large scale, high tech proposal if we’ve ever seen one. Marzo, the proposer, asked his girlfriend, Lisa, to marry him using the lights of a skyscraper!

    It starts with Marzo filming Lisa as they go on an evening walk. Marzo then has Lisa answer a phone call; on the phone call she needs to say her name and say “Hi”. She does this and the phone cuts off.

    The next thing she knows, the lights of a nearby skyscraper goes off. The lights then come back on spelling her name on the wall. They go off again, and the next time they flash the words “will you” brightly on the side of the building. The next two repetitions of this show the words “marry” and “me”.

    This must have taken some crazy co-ordination skills!

    – Written in the Sky 

    A man proposed to his girlfriend by writing it in the clouds. He hired a professional ‘skywriter’!

    From the video, it seems he and his unsuspecting girlfriend were spending a lovely afternoon in Central Park, when suddenly the words appear in the sky. The girlfriend is sure to never forget this proposal.

    – Like a movie scene 

    Matt put together an entire movie trailer to propose to his girlfriend, Ginny.

    He enlisted the help of Ginny’s brother, Charlie, to take her to see a movie. They’re in the movie theatre and the trailers start to play. Ginny is a little confused when she hears Matt’s voice coming from the speakers. She is brought to tears by the trailer in which he asks her to marry him.

    This one gets extra points for creativity!

    – Puppies in the park 

    This one involves puppies! A man organised to have puppies walk by as he and his girlfriend sat on a bench in Central Park. Each puppy wore a customised vest with a sweet message like “I want u 4 ever”.

    At first his girlfriend didn’t catch on, because the dog walkers were strangers. The third and final puppy’s vest read “will you marry me?”

    His girlfriend didn’t believe it at first. We can’t blame her since it was April Fool’s Day! But when he got down on one knee, she knew it was real.

    – Live Lip-dub 

    Isaac planned and co-ordinated an entire dance number, involving some of their closest family and friends, to propose to his girlfriend, Amy.

    He asked Amy to meet him at his parents’ house. When she arrived, his brother was instructed to seat her in the back of a Honda and give her some headphones.

    As she sat in the back of the slowly moving car, she watched a well co-ordinated lip-sync and dance number. The presence of all their loved ones must have made it so much more special!

    Considering how difficult it can be to organise, these public proposals blew our minds!

    Image: Pexels

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    Most expensive celebrity engagement rings

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    Celebrities, they’re just like us. Or are they? While some of us (A.K.A, the plebeians) spend months and years saving up for an engagement ring, the lucky minority are able to drop millions on a single piece of jewellery. Oh, to be rich and famous.

    While some of these relationships have since ended, diamonds truly are forever and will live on for the years to come. These famous brides have rocked diamonds worth more than most of us will ever earn in our lifetime.

    Blake Lively – $2 million (over R29 million)

    One of Hollywood’s favourite couples makes it onto the list with Lively’s 12-carat, $2 million engagement ring. The ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz and features an oval-cut stone in a diamond-accented, rose-gold setting.

     

    “My most treasured possession is my engagement ring made by my dear friend Lorraine Schwartz, because of the love and meaning it symbolises,” Lively said in an interview. “No, I didn’t have any hand in its design – I married a gentleman.”

    Anna Kournikova – $2.5 million (over R37 million)

    When Enrique Iglesias popped the big question to tennis star Anna Kournikova back in 2009, he did so with an expensive 11-carat sparkler that set him back $2.5 million. The pair, who met in 2001 on set of Iglesias’s Escape music video, are notoriously private about their relationship.

    Despite getting engaged a decade ago, the couple are in no rush to the altar. Both do not believe that marriage will make a big change in their relationship. In 2018, they welcomed twins Nicholas and Lucy.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BaCrYYAgqnx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jacqueline Kennedy O’Nassis – $2.59 million (over R38 million)

    Forever the style icon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is mostly remembered for being one of America’s favourite First Ladies. However, it is her second engagement ring that truly went down in history.

    Five years after JFK’s assassination, Jacqueline found love again with mogul Aristotle Onassis. The Greek shipping magnate proposed to the former First Lady with a 40-carat Marquise-cut Lesotho III diamond ring from Harry Winston. The ring was so valuable that Onassis only wore it twice before leaving it in a bank vault for safe-keeping.

    After her passing in 1996, the ring was auctioned off and fetched a price of $2.59 million.

     

    Grace Kelly – $4-million (over R49 million)

    When Grace Kelly became royalty, she needed a stunning diamond ring to prove it. Prince Rainer III of Monaco proposed to the iconic actress with a stunning 10.4-carat, emerald-cut diamond flanked by two baguettes set in platinum. It is estimated to have cost $4-million (R49.36 million).

    She wore the Cartier ring in her final film High Society, which iconised it as one of the most famous engagement rings in history. At their royal wedding, she paired the sparkler with a delicate eternity band set with rubies and diamonds for the colours of Monaco.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/7MM6_5ow6z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jennifer Lopez – between $1 million and $4.5 million (over R66 million)

    Her love don’t cost a thing but an expensive ring won’t hurt. J-Lo has had not one, not two, but three engagement rings over the value of $1 million.

    The first notable one, a 6.1-carat pink diamond solitaire Harry Winston ring, came from her third fiancé Ben Affleck and is estimated to have cost between $1.2 and $2.5 million. Following the end of this relationship, she became engaged to Marc Anthony, who proposed with a 8.5-carat blue diamond Harry Winston engagement ring estimated to have cost $4 million.

    Most recently, baseball superstar Alex Rodrigues asked for Jennifer’s hand in marriage with an enormous 16-carat diamond ring. Ajay Anand, CEO of Rare Carat, has estimated to cost around $4.5 million. However, other jewellers give a wide range, stating the ring costs somewhere between $1 million and $4.5 million.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Buzz2LMg92D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Kim Kardashian – $4 million (over R59 million)

    Love them or hate them, there is no arguing that Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West will go down in history as one of the most iconic celebrity couples. West proposed to the social media star with a 15-carat cushion-cut diamond engagement ring that is estimated to have cost a casual $4 million. Seriously.

    Never one to be outdone, in 2016 Kanye gifted Kim with a 20-carat emerald cut diamond ring for her to wear on her other hand. The second ring was reportedly stolen during an armed robbery in Paris.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxfhkovgsTa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Beyonce – $5 million (over R74 million)

    Only the best for Queen B. While we know little about this notoriously private couple’s wedding, we can say that Jay-Z presented Beyonce with a 24-carat flawless emerald-cut diamond ring with a split band. The Lorraine Schwartz-designed ring is estimated to be worth a whopping $5 million.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/7ycIolvw2-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Elizabeth Taylor – $8.8 million (over R130 million)

    While she has been presented with many engagement rings in her time, Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic one comes from Richard Burton. So iconic, in fact, that it was named after her. Burton gifted her with the ring when they remarried for the second time in 1975. Originally named the Krupp diamond, the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond is a generous 33.19 carats.

    Following her death in 2011, her ring was auctioned off for $8.8m. At the time, it was the highest per-carat price ever for any colourless diamond.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqZgILhz0H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Mariah Carey – $10 million (over R148 million)

    Though their engagement was incredibly short lived, Mariah Carey and James Packer will go down in history for owning the most expensive celebrity engagement ring. The iconic singer’s engagement ring, gifted to her by Australian businessman James Packer, was 35-carats and has an estimated value of $10 million. Yes, you read that right.

    However, the wedding was not to be. The couple split a few months after getting engaged and Carey sold the ring for $2.1 million.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BM7-8b_Bsh_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Instagram / Elizabeth Taylor

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    South African KFC proposal goes viral

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    Some might devise an elaborate plan to pop the big question, but this man proved that you shouldn’t be chicken to do a humble proposal. His decision to propose in a local fast food restaurant has turned into a social media storm as people across the country come together to give them a wedding beyond their wildest dreams.

    A video of a man proposing in a Vaal KFC outlet was posted to Twitter yesterday afternoon, and quickly caught the attention of social media users. Fast food giant KFC South Africa saw the video of the couple becoming engaged and posted it to their official Twitter. In their tweet, KFC SA appealed to their followers to help identify the couple in the hopes of doing something special for them.

    The couple has since been identified and two Twitter users are meeting with them today to discuss wedding planning. The grooms name is Mr. Kansi, and his financial situation is tough at the moment so he would like to have a small wedding to celebrate their nuptials.

    The video quickly went viral, causing #KFCproposal to trend on Twitter. South Africans are now rallying behind the couple to make their dream wedding come true.

    Takealot has offered a R5000 voucher to the couple to purchase anything on their online store. Vodacom, Total South Africa, Cricket South Africa and Pick ‘n Pay also joined in the hunt to find the newly engaged couple.

    People are offering to support in any way they can, from donating money to supplying cars, outfits, accessories, invites and drinks. Austin Malema has offered to be their photographer free of charge, and Amanda Black is keen to sing at the reception.

    This wedding is sure to be finger lickin’ good.

    Image: Twitter /  KFC South Africa

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    In Accessories

    Engagement ring trends for 2020

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    A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This saying still rings true today. Diamonds will never go out of style, but trends do. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing an engagement ring. We’ve gathered advice from jewellery experts to help you ring in your engagement in style.

    Here’s what will trend in 2020.

    Coloured stones:

    Modern brides have been leaning towards coloured stones and birthstones as of late. “I think today’s bride is more concerned with being unique, and while she still wants a three stone ring, she is looking for something that is one of a kind. Women today want to stand out!” Kendra Pariseault Jewelry told StyleCaster.

    Coloured stones are an easy way to make a statement and express your personal style. Niel Lane says that morganite stones, the pink to orange-pink variety of the beryl mineral, have especially grow in popularity this year.

    Take this trend further by using a birthstone for a personal touch to an engagement ring. Just be careful to speak to an expert beforehand, as not all birthstones are made equal. Some are not durable enough for every day wear.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvwwqlB-_0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Unique shapes:

    Square cut and pear shaped is so played out. For a unique take, brides have been loving star-shaped and floral-shaped engagement rings. We’ve seen Elizabeth Olsen, Katy Perry, and Irina Shayk all step out with floral-shaped rings in the past year.

    This ring can be quite busy so the key is to keep the band simple. While typically centered with a coloured stone, you can simplify this style by going with a traditional diamond.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNeYu5lsZq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Throwback designs:

    The more traditional bride will be glad to hear that vintage and art-deco inspired rings are also back in style. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making.

    Art-deco is all about clean lines and geometric angles. We love how this hexagonal-shaped engagement ring still feels feminine with the array of smaller diamonds on the perimeter of the main stone. This halo effect is another big engagement ring trend, as it makes the main stone appear much larger. Two birds with one stone.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dALFJlfDD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rose gold:

    Rose gold has been in for years and is going nowhere. The popularity of this tone stems from the fact that it is universally flattering. It is a bold statement yet romantic and feminine at the same time.

    “Brides will be looking more at alternative metals to white gold and platinum next year. The appeal of rose gold comes from its pale pink colour that not only pairs well with trending yellow gold fashion pieces but also looks great with every skin tone, ” said Alicia Davis, VP of Merchandising at Shane Co.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gfj9Kh7Kx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Three-stone rings:

    We can thank Meghan Markle for this one. The Duchess of Sussex’s three stone engagement ring sparked the trend a few years ago and it is only rising in popularity.

    “We’ve seen a lot of couples eyeing three-stone engagement rings lately,” Lauren Addison of Lauren Addison Jewelry told StyleCaster. “The two side stones add extra sparkle to a simpler engagement ring style.”

    The three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future, giving a beautiful symbolism. The centre diamond is typically hugged by two smaller, equally sized diamonds. For something different, use colourful stones and unique cuts.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ajAg8jb-I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Stacking rings:

    Sometimes, more is more. While not a new concept, jewellery stacking has taken the industry by storm. Brides have been loving stackable rings as of late.

    Commonly, the engagement ring and wedding band are designed to pair up. Some brides are taking this a step further and adding more rings to the pile. Eternity rings or embellished bands add an extra style element and bling for glitz lovers. Pairing rings of different styles, like a vintage engagement ring with more contemporary cut embellished bands, is a playful way to create a dynamic and unique finish.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dutVbpBoZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Pexels

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    Boks-inspired proposal fail

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    The Rugby World Cup fever overtook us all these past few weeks. One South African in particular was feeling the spirit, and made a big promise. A single Facebook post gripped the nation for days to find out how this fairytale would end.

    Last week, Brian Royalson Mdunge took to Facebook and posted on the group #ImStaying to announce that he would propose if the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

    As we know by now, the Boks won the sports competition, bringing pride to the South African nation. This also meant that Brian had to hold up his end of the bargain.

    Following the win, many waited in anticipation to hear the happy news of another engaged couple. However, no news came. For days, we were left with no updates, leading to the trending of #FindBrian.

    “BRIAN!!!!!!!!! HALLOOOOO!!!!!! THE NATION IS WAITING IN ANTICIPATION!!!!! You had 24 hours to man up,” one comment read.

    Brian has just broken his silence, although unfortunately it was not with good news.

    “Hello Mzansi sorry to keep you waiting so long, but the lady rejected my proposal in front of my friends she said she’s not ready. I’m too embarrassed,” Brian wrote in his post.

    Group members have rallied to support Brian through this tough time, sending him many words of encouragement.

    “I’m so sad to read this news, ” reads one comment. “But she did not altogether say No. So hang in there, should your spirit tell you she’s worth waiting for. Amen. You stay blessed. Mwaj”

    “Sorry Brian … She’s not ready now, if her unreadiness has to do with you, work on that… If not, give her time… She rejected the proposal, Not you! All the best bro..” another advised.

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    Most popular dates to get engaged

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    Looking to get engaged soon? While there is no specific right time for everyone across the board, research has shown that people tend to get engaged on very particular days of the year.

    If you’re waiting to propose or to be proposed to, one of these dates might be of significance in your future.  These are the most popular days of the year to get engaged.

    Christmas:

    Christmas is one of the most popular Christian holidays of the year, so it makes sense that many people would get engaged on this day. Typically, people spend Christmas with their family, making it a great time for a proposal as everyone can celebrate together when the big question has been asked.

    Valentine’s Day:

    Of course the most romantic day of the year would be a popular time for engagements. Loved-up couples honour Saint Valentine by becoming betrothed on this special holiday. As a day particularly designed for romance, Valentines Day makes it easier to plan an elaborate proposal as your partner would not be suspicious of why you’re planning something.

    Christmas Eve:

    If Christmas is too stressful, Christmas Eve makes a perfect date to get engaged. Some families have a Christmas Eve dinner and exchange gifts then, instead of on Christmas itself. For Christmas lovers, the lead up to this festive event is just as fun and exciting. Because of this, Christmas Eve has become a popular date to get engaged.

     

    New Years Eve:

    The last day of the year makes for a great time for a proposal. People tend to be celebrating New Year’s Eve to usher in the new year, and are typically with their closest friends and family. This special day also provides a host of fun activities like watching fireworks, or going to a party. Those that decide to get engaged on this day thus start the new year on a high note.

     

     New Year’s Day:

    New Year’s Eve might be a bit too chaotic and busy for some people. On New Years Day, many people are reflective of their life and how they want to be better for the year ahead. Many have therefore chosen this day to begin the year with a big life change by getting engaged.

     

    Anniversaries:

    Anniversaries are dedicated days to celebrate your love and how far your relationship has come. Most couples tend to already have plans for their anniversary, and what better way to end it than with a proposal? It’s a great way to honour your love and commitment to one another.

     

    Birthdays:

    Birthdays are special days to honour someone’s life, making it the perfect time for a proposal. A ring makes for a great birthday present!

     

    The Saturday before Valentine’s Day:

    The Valentine’s spirit spreads the weeks before the lovers’ holiday. Considering most restaurants and vendors mark up their prices for Valentine’s Day, proposing the Saturday before the holiday makes for a more cost-effective time to propose while still having Valentine’s romance in the air.

     

    Picture: Unsplash

     

     

     

     

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    How to plan your engagement party

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    Congratulations, you’re engaged! Traditionally, the first step in wedding festivities is to throw an engagement party celebrating your upcoming nuptials with your nearest and dearest. Here are some key steps to planning your perfect engagement party.

    Choose the hostess with the most-est:

    While tradition states that the bride’s parents typically throw the engagement party, it is not a hard and fast rule. Today, anyone can host the party, whether it be a family member, close friend or even joint hosts. Just remember that the host will be the main funder of the party, so they have to be prepared to pay.

    Pick a date:

    Next step is to find the right date. However, this is not an easy feat. Think about the scale of the party and how long it will take to plan things before setting a date. If you are going for a big, extravagant party then allot more time to plan. Engagement parties typically occur soon after the engagement but can still be held months after the fact.

    You will also need to take into consideration the schedules of your guests. For example, if family members out of town will have to travel long distances to attend, ideally don’t host the party during the week.

    Plan your guest list:

    This is an important step. Remember that the people you invite to your engagement party will also have to be invited to your wedding. As such, this guest list is a preliminary list for your big day. If you’re not sure how big your wedding will be, allow your engagement to be more intimate so that you don’t invite too many people and create an expectation.

    Set up a budget:

    Party planning can quickly get expensive if you don’t have a financial guideline in place. Set up a budget in which you allocate certain amounts of money for the venue, food and drinks, invites and other party planning necessities. This makes every following step much easier as you narrow your options to fit financial means. Remember to leave a margin for extra expenses too!

    Location, location, location:

    Now that you know how big your guest list is, you can choose a venue that will accompany everyone. The venue will speak to the type of party you want. For example, having a party in your parents’ back yard will give an intimate feel, whereas a grand ballroom will give a more luxe feel. This way, you can create a vision of the type of decor you want too.

    Send invites:

    With date and location secured, you can now send out invites. Make sure you send these out with enough time to arrive and give your guests time to plan. At least 3 weeks before the party is ideal. Luckily, your type of venue also helps to determine the style of invitation, making the design element much easier. Make sure to let your guests know the dress-code to avoid outfit disasters.

    Set up a menu:

    Now that you know the venue, your menu can perfectly correspond. For example, if it’s a cocktail event, finger foods work best. A family-style menu works best for intimate gatherings. Don’t forget to include drinks in this! Your menu should work for you, your budget and the style of party you’re aiming for.

    Plan your decor:

    At this point, you should already have an idea of the type of decor you want. Now is the time to do your research and purchase things that will bring your vision to life. Simply adding mini-candles and fairy lights can add a whimsical yet romantic feel. Use fabric to bring in colour schemes, and flowers to soften the space.

    Gift registry:

    While not expected, some guests may want to gift you and your partner at your engagement party. To prep for this, you can set up a gift registry. Remember to focus on low- to medium-priced gifts, as people will most likely spend more on a wedding gift. You can also ask guests to donate to a chosen charity in lieu of gifts.

    Dress to impress:

    As the first taste of wedding festivities, it is typical, though not required, that engaged pairs wear white to their engagement party. Regardless of colour, make sure that your outfit works well for the venue and style of party you are throwing. For example, a casual sundress won’t work for a formal event, and a beaded gown might be a bit too dressed up for a poolside celebration.

    Enjoy!

    You’ve made it! Now is the time to revel in your excitement and celebrate your future with your loved ones.

    Image: Pixabay

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    Princess Beatrice engaged to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

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    Another royal wedding is on its way. Princess Beatrice is newly engaged to property tycoon Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

    The announcement was made by the Royal Family in a statement today. According to the announcement, the couple became engaged in Italy earlier this month. The wedding will take place in 2020.

    “We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together,” the pair said in a statement. “We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.”

    The Duke and Duchess of York said, “We are thrilled that Beatrice and Edoardo have got engaged, having watched their relationship develop with pride. We are the lucky parents of a wonderful daughter who has found her love and companion in a completely devoted friend and loyal young man. We send them every good wish for a wonderful family future.”

    Mrs. Nikki Williams-Ellis and Mr. Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi said, “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.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B23t01NFjke/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Princess Beatrice is ninth in line for the throne. Edoardo is a multi-millionaire and founder of property consultancy Banda.

    The pair made their first official appearance as a couple in March 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery Gala.

    Image: Instagram / Princess Eugenie

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