Ex-Boyfriend of Princess Beatrice Found Dead in Hotel Room

Dave Clark, the former boyfriend of Princess Beatrice, was found dead in a hotel room in Doncaster, England. The 42-year-old's death is being examined as a suspected drug overdose, although the official cause of death has not yet been determined.

Clark and Princess Beatrice dated briefly in 2005-2006 when Beatrice was 17 and Clark was 24. The relationship ended after about a year. Princess Beatrice, who is now 34 and married to property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, has not publicly commented on Clark's passing.

Prior to his relationship with the royal, Clark had several run-ins with the law. In 2002, he was charged with manslaughter, which was later reduced to assault and battery. In 2009, he was arrested in Australia's Gold Coast after crashing a rental car.

Sources close to Clark claim he struggled with drug addiction and mounting debts in recent years. "Dave had a lot of personal demons he was battling," said one insider who wished to remain anonymous. "It's a tragic situation."

Why this matters: The death of Princess Beatrice's ex-boyfriend highlights the far-reaching impacts of addiction and mental health issues. It also emphasizes the intense public scrutiny faced by those with ties to the royal family, even after relationships have ended.

Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Clark's death at the Doncaster hotel. The coroner's office stated that toxicology results are pending and an inquest will be held to officially determine the cause of death. Clark's family members did not respond to requests for comment on his passing.

Key Takeaways

• Dave Clark, ex-boyfriend of Princess Beatrice, found dead in hotel
• Death suspected drug overdose, official cause pending investigation
• Clark had prior legal issues, struggled with addiction and debts
• Beatrice, now 34, has not publicly commented on Clark's passing
• Death highlights impact of addiction and scrutiny faced by royals