Princess Beatrice breaks up with boyfriend of 10 years Dave Clark after marriage ‘ultimatum’ backfires
The Royal Family are 'shocked and saddened' about the couple's decision to split
PRINCESS Beatrice has split from her boyfriend amid rumours she was fed up waiting for him to pop the question.
The Princess and Dave Clark are said to have called it quits after ten years together.
Beatrice, 27, had followed him to America, taking a job in a New York investment bank while he climbed the ranks at taxi app Uber.
Despite her commitment, 32-year-old Dave still failed to propose and they are said to have split last month.
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A source said: “After ten years together, Beatrice and Dave had to wonder why they were not married.
“They decided to take time apart to reflect on the future. They remain friends and the decision to break up was mutual.”
However, the source added: “Beatrice has become more assertive and confident recently.
“She gave Dave an ultimatum, but it backfired because he did not ask her to marry him.”
Members of the Royal Family are said to be “shocked and saddened” by the split, The Mail on Sunday reported.
But Prince William is believed to have never approved of his cousin’s choice, finding him “indiscreet”.
He refused to invite Dave to the Royal Wedding in 2011.
Some had thought the Succession of the Crown Act had been an obstacle to their marriage.
This obliges the first six in line to the throne to ask the Queen’s permission before they wed.
But the Duke of York’s eldest daughter was pushed back to seventh in line after last year’s birth of Princess Charlotte — and still there was no wedding in sight.