Princess Beatrice dating bad-boy

Feb 24, 2006, 18:23 GMT

Britain's Princess Beatrice is dating an American socialite once accused of killing a student in a drunken brawl.

Paulo Liuzzo was convicted of assault and battery two years ago for his part in a violent fight which left the teenage scholar dead.

According to reports in Britain's The Sun newspaper, Liuzzo escaped a prison term when a manslaughter charge was dropped after he pleaded guilty on lesser charges.

The New Yorker joined the 17-year-old princess and her mum, the Duchess of York on a ski holiday.

He says the royal family has given him a second chance after the death brawl.

Beatrice's parents Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson reportedly know of Liuzzo's past - and think he is 'lovely'.

The 24-year-old, Beatrice's first real boyfriend, said: 'What happened was a terrible accident and not a day goes by without me being haunted by it.

'I've been given a second chance with Beatrice and I'm not going to blow it.'

Friends say that Beatrice - who is fifth in line to the throne - is 'very, very close' to Liuzzo.

And a palace source told The Sun: 'Paulo and Beatrice are very close. He went on holiday with Andrew and Sarah.

'He is a lovely, kind, sweet man and this tragedy stays with him every day of his life. It was a terrible moment in his life and one he will always live to regret.

'He was very open about his background when he and Beatrice became close.

'He is a wonderful, thoughtful person and they all like him very much.'

One of Beatrice's friends said: 'Paulo is Bea's first real boyfriend. They have become very close in recent weeks. Although he has been living in London for the past few months, Bea is hoping to go to university in America so they can be together.

'Despite his past, Paulo is very well brought up and treats Bea with incredible respect and kindness.'

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International