Princess Beatrice didn't need the Queen's permission to get engaged thanks to a royal law

Earlier this week, Princess Beatrice announced that she is set to marry to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. They reportedly got engaged during a trip to Italy, and are set to tie the knot in 2020.

A statement from Buckingham Palace 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.'

The Duke and Duchess of York released a statement about their daughter's news, saying: '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.'

However, there's one big difference between her engagement and those of her cousins, Prince William and Prince Harry.

The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex were required to ask the Queen's permission to get down on one knee, whereas Beatrice didn't need to get the monarch's approval.

Why?

It's all to do with a law called The Succession of The Crown Act, which states that the first six heirs must ask the Queen for permission to marry their partner. As Harry is 6th in line to the throne (behind Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis), he needed the go-ahead from his grandmother to marry Meghan Markle.

However, Beatrice is 9th in line - meaning that no such approval is necessary.

Although no date has been confirmed, there is speculation that Beatrice will say 'I do' in May (according to the odds) and it would make sense - Harry and Meghan married six months after announcing their engagement, and Beatrice's sister, Princess Eugenie, tied the knot within seven months of her announcement.

Congratulations again to the happy couple!