Princess Beatrice and Dave Clark

Princess Beatrice and Dave Clark

David Clark is planning on proposing to Princess Beatrice of York.

The 26-year-old daughter of Prince Andrew, and Sarah, Duke and Duchess of York has been in a long-term relationship with the 31-year-old businessman for seven years, and he is now believed to have told friends he is planning to get engaged.

A source revealed: "As yet there is no sight of a ring but Dave has told one of his best friends that he is planning to propose."

The young royal - who enjoyed a romantic break to the Caribbean island of St Barts over the New Year - has also previously taken the Virgin Galactic businessman on several of her family holidays, including trips to New York, St Tropez, and Verbier.

As a close friend of the family, the wealthy professional - whose father, Michael Clark, was formerly the chief legal counsel at Cadbury Schweppes - is also hoping a proposal may take the heat off Beatrice's father, who has recently been drawn into allegations he engaged in sexual relations with a woman when she was 17.

The source told Express.co.uk: "It would come as very welcome news for Andrew and Fergie, especially the way they are both feeling now.

"They both like Dave very much."