Princess Beatrice cancels wedding reception over coronavirus outbreak

Buckingham Palace has confirmed 

Sophie Gallagher
Wednesday 18 March 2020 17:46 GMT
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(AFP via Getty Images)

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Princess Beatrice has cancelled her wedding reception due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

On Wednesday Buckingham Palace confirmed the event, which was due to take place on the 29 May, has been called off.

The Queen's granddaughter and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were due to have their wedding reception in the gardens at Buckingham Palace.

A spokesperson for the couple said: "Princess Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi are very much looking forward to getting married but are equally aware of the need to avoid undertaking any unnecessary risks in the current circumstances.

"In line with government advice for the UK and beyond, the couple are reviewing their arrangements for May 29.

"They are particularly conscious of government advice in relation to both the wellbeing of older family members and large gatherings of people.

"Therefore, the planned reception in the Buckingham Palace Gardens will not take place.

"The couple will carefully consider government advice before deciding whether a private marriage might take place amongst a small group of family and friends."

The coronavirus outbreak in the UK has led to a raft of social distancing measures, with PM Boris Johnson saying all non-essential travel should be avoided.

Mr Mapelli Mozzi comes from the Lombardy region of northern Italy, which has been massively impacted by the virus and is now under government lock down.

A report by The Telegraph suggested the couple were concerned about guests being able to attend from the region.

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