Princess Beatrice cancels engagement party amid Prince Andrew scandal

Cape Town - Princess Beatrice has reportedly cancelled her engagement party in light of the scandal surrounding her dad, Prince Andrew.

The celebration that was set to be held on 18 December was reportedly cancelled because the couple feared that paparazzi would swamp the Duke of York, who’s been accused of sexually assaulting a woman who was 17 years old at the time.

"Bea has had to change the date of her engagement party at the Chiltern Firehouse because of fears there will be too many photographers outside – looking for him," Daily Mail said.

"The venue choice caused alarm among pals concerned it was far too high-profile given the sensitive time her family is going through."

Princess Beatrice and her fiancé, businessman Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, will reportedly be holding an intimate gathering at a close friend's apartment, Fox News reports.

The news comes shortly after Prince Andrew (59) announced that he’ll be stepping down from his public duties, following a controversial interview with the BBC.

"It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support," he said in the statement.

"Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission."

(Sources: Channel24, Daily Mail, Fox News)