Beatrice Elizabeth Mary, 27, daughter of Prince Andrew and fifth grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, has ended her 10-year relationship with businessman Dave Clark, 32. The royal was reportedly tired of waiting for Clark to propose marriage.

A source close to Beatrice told Mail Online on Sunday: "After 10 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".

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Members of the Royal Family are said to be "shocked and saddened" by the news, especially the princess' mother. The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is said to be taking the split particularly hard.

"Sarah considers Dave to be part of the family," another source told Mail Online. "She is very sad it didn't work out. They have been together longer than many marriages last."

However, it has been claimed that Prince William was not as keen on Clark and chose not to invite him to the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. In fact, it was William who introduced Clark to his cousin Beatrice.

It has also been said that the Succession of the Crown Act might have caused issues as it requires the first six in line to the Throne to seek Royal approval for marriage. However, when Charlotte was born, and Beatrice was pushed back to seventh in line to the throne, there had still been no proposal.

Princess Beatrice and Dave Clark
Beatrice and Dave Clark have split after being together for 10 years Jan Kruger/Getty

The source continued: "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."

"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."

British Royal Family