What went wrong with Princess Beatrice and her ex Virgin Galactic businessman Dave Clark

Before meeting her now-husband Edoardo Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice shared a romantic decade-long relationship with businessman Dave Clark who many thought she would marry

As Princess Beatrice is getting ready to welcome baby number two, we’re revisiting one of her most famous former flames and why her romance with him never panned out.

Before meeting her now-husband Edoardo Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice shared a romantic decade-long relationship with her ex-boyfriend Dave Clark. Dave is a successful businessman and advisor who has worked with some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs and was the former Head of Astronaut Relations at Virgin Galactic. And while many at the time hoped the couple’s fairytale romance would lead to another Royal Wedding to celebrate, the pair decided to call it quits after 10 long years together.

Princess Beatrice and Dave Clark’s decade long romance

Princess Beatrice and Dave Clark’s romance began after Beatrice’s cousin Prince William introduced the pair during a study abroad program at the University of Edinburgh. Dave and Prince William sparked a friendship while the pair were studying at nearby schools, with Dave at Edinburgh University and William at St Andrews.

Prince William later introduced Dave to Princess Beatrice during birthday party in 2006 held by Sean Prosnan, who is the son of actor Pierce Brosnan, and they were inseparable ever since. The couple kept a relatively low profile throughout the majority of their relationship, but they were occasionally seen on romantic getaways, dinner dates, a number of charity events, and even ran the London Marathon together.

The pair also attended many royal events and Princess Beatrices’ family adored him. Her mother, Sarah Ferguson, at the time told People: “I call him Mr. Smiley because he smiles and he’s happy. I love Dave.”

Romance falls apart over ‘make or break’ talks

After their 10-year-long romance, the pair decided to call it quits on their romance in 2016 following a series of intense “make or break” talks regarding their future together. The discussions involved whether or not they would get married, and the pair decided that instead of tying the knot, it would be best to go their separate ways.

At the time, an insider close to Princess Beatrice told the Daily Mail: “After ten years together, Beatrice and Dave had to wonder why they were not married. They talked it through and decided to take time apart to reflect on the future. They remain friends and the decision to break up was mutual.”

They went on to add: “Beatrice has become a lot more assertive and confident recently. She gave Dave an ultimatum, but it backfired because he did not ask her to marry him. They both agreed that with no marriage in their future, it was time to go separate ways.”

Royal Family members ‘shocked and saddened’ over

The world was stunned by the news, including the Royal Family members who were reportedly “shocked and saddened” by their sudden split. Beatrice’s family, including her sister Princess Eugenie and her parents Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, were reported to be “completely shocked” by their breakup with her mother saying that she felt like she had lost a son.

Speaking on Sarah’s reaction to the news, a source explained: “Sarah considers Dave to be part of the family. She is very sad it didn’t work out. They have been together longer than many marriages last.”

And while they did go their separate ways, they reportedly still stayed on good terms and would reach out to one another as they both navigated the breakup. The insider explained: “They had a very co-dependent relationship, so they haven’t yet managed to completely cut off contact. They speak occasionally and they sometimes refer to the split as ‘a break’. But it has been over for a month now and there doesn’t seem to be any reconciliation on the cards.”

Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.

Follow the Mirror US News page on Facebook