Royal scandal as prince balks at wedding at last minute

The church ceremony was to be televised and the newlyweds had planned a full 10 days of incredible festivities after tying the knot.

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However Prince Ernst-August Jr. of Hanover’s plans of wedded bliss with his fashion designer fiancé Ekaterina Malysheva have been shut down after the prince’s father publicly opposed the marriage.

Prince Ernst-August V has sparked a huge family rift after speaking out against his 33-year-old son’s plans to wed, claiming he wants to protect the family’s property.

“The decision was not easy for me because it concerns my son,” Ernst Snr, who is a cousin of Queen Elizabeth, told German newspaper Handelsblatt.

“But I am constrained to preserve the interests of the House of Hanover and the property, including cultural property, which has been its property for centuries.”

Prince Ernst-August V, who is still married to Princess Caroline of Monaco despite years of separation, has reportedly demanded his son return properties that were gifted to him years ago, before he’s ready for “discussion and reconciliation”.

Despite this, the DailyMail reports Prince Ernst-August Jr and designer Ekaterina – who counts celebs Sienna Miller and Rita Ora as fans of her EKAT line – have since quietly wed in a civil ceremony at Hanover City Hall.

The groom’s father was conspicuously absent from the simple affair, which saw Ekaterina wear one of her own designs.

Only time will tell what will happen this weekend…

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